#SPECTRA DEFINITION IN SCIENCE SERIES#

If the electron's transition takes place from the higher energy level n 2 to the lower energy level n 1, it will emit a photon of light of energy (E 2 - E 1 ). Suppose two energy levels of the hydrogen atom, n 1, and n 2, have energies E 1 and E 2, respectively. While returning, the electrons emit light. To the lowest energy level directly or via other lower energy levels. But it returns from there, within 10 -8 seconds. When the hydrogen atom gets energy from outside, its electron goes from the lowest energy level to some higher energy level. The absorption spectrum is characteristic of a particular element or compound and does not change with varying concentrations. In that case, when the remaining radiation is passed through a prism, a spectrum is obtained with a gap in it, called an absorption spectrum. When electromagnetic radiation passes through a material, a part of the electromagnetic radiation may be absorbed. However, when atoms in their elemental form are heated or excited, the line spectra that originate are known as the atomic spectra.

We know that when elements or their compounds are heated, they release energy in the form of light, which gives rise to a line spectrum. Due to the availability of multiple states of energy, an electron can undergo numerous transitions, each giving rise to a unique wavelength that comprises the emission spectrum. When the electron falls back to the lower energy level, light is emitted, which has the energy equivalent to the higher and the lower states’ energy difference. When an atom or molecule absorbs energy, the electrons are excited to a higher energy level. An example of an emission spectrum is when copper is heated on a flame, and the flame gets green color. Now let's define the line emission spectrum: a spectroscope splits the emitted light into different wavelengths and gives a discontinuous spectrum in the form of discrete lines known as a line spectrum. So, what is the emission spectrum definition in physics and chemistry? An emission spectrum is the range or array of wavelengths (spectra) obtained when the light emitted by a substance is passed through a prism and examined directly with a spectroscope. The different constituent wavelengths of white light are arranged in the spectrum in a specific order, starting with the longest wavelength (red) and shading through to the shortest ( violet).

#SPECTRA DEFINITION IN SCIENCE SERIES#

Whether it is physics or chemistry, the spectrum definition is the same - when white light is passed through a prism or any other dispersing substance, the white light splits into a series of coloured bands or lines known as a spectrum. Before we discuss the emission spectrum definition, let us address the questions - what is a spectrum in chemistry and what is a spectrum in physics.

Spectra definition in science