Emission and Absorption Spectra - AP Physics 2

Continuous spectrum. Dense objects emit all wavelengths continuously due to thermal motion.

Absorption spectrum. Atmospheric gases absorb specific wavelengths from continuous sunlight.

X-ray region. High-energy X-rays probe inner electron shells of atoms.

Bright yellow lines. Sodium's characteristic D-lines appear as intense yellow doublet.

Emission or absorption of photons. Energy differences between levels determine photon wavelength emitted or absorbed.

Spectroscope. Optical instrument that disperses light into component wavelengths for observation.

Electrons absorb energy and move to higher levels. Energy absorption promotes electrons to higher quantum states.

To isolate specific wavelengths of light. Device selects narrow wavelength bands from broader spectrum.

Emission spectrum of hydrogen. Series of visible lines from electron transitions to $n=2$ level.

Absorption spectrum. Atmospheric gases absorb specific wavelengths from continuous sunlight.

A spectrum of frequencies emitted by an atom or molecule. Shows specific wavelengths of light emitted when electrons drop to lower energy levels.

Continuous spectrum. Prism disperses white light into complete rainbow without gaps.

Incandescent bulb or blackbody radiator. Thermal sources emit broad, continuous wavelength distribution.

Bright yellow lines. Sodium's characteristic D-lines appear as intense yellow doublet.

Excited electrons fall to lower energy levels. Energy release during electron transitions produces characteristic photons.

X-ray region. High-energy X-rays probe inner electron shells of atoms.

Emission spectrum. Excited gas atoms emit characteristic colors when electrons drop energy levels.

An instrument that records a spectrum photographically. Device that captures and records spectral data permanently for analysis.

Bright lines indicating emitted wavelengths. Emission spectrum shows bright lines against dark background.

Visible region. Balmer series produces visible light from hydrogen atom transitions.

Absorption spectrum. Dark absorption lines reveal elemental composition of stellar atmospheres.

Absorption of specific wavelengths by a substance. Electrons absorb photons of specific energies, removing those wavelengths from spectrum.

Continuous spectrum. Hot tungsten filament produces thermal radiation across all visible wavelengths.

Absorption spectrum. Dark lines indicate absorption of specific wavelengths from continuous spectrum.

To separate light into its component wavelengths. Grating diffracts light into distinct wavelengths for spectral analysis.

Emission shows bright lines; absorption shows dark lines. Emission adds light at specific wavelengths; absorption removes it.

To determine the composition of stars and planets. Spectral lines act as fingerprints identifying specific elements remotely.

The concentration of elements. Line intensity correlates with number of atoms present.

Continuous spectrum. Dense objects emit all wavelengths continuously due to thermal motion.