Final answer:
A continuous spectrum is a range of all light frequencies or wavelengths, such as white light. On the other hand, an emission spectrum is a series of bright lines or discrete wavelengths, produced when excited atoms or molecules emit light.
Step-by-step explanation:
A continuous spectrum is a range of all light frequencies or wavelengths, such as white light, which contains all wavelengths within the visible range. On the other hand, an emission spectrum is a series of bright lines or discrete wavelengths, which are produced when excited atoms or molecules emit light of specific energies.
For example, when white light is passed through a gas, the gas absorbs certain wavelengths, creating an absorption line spectrum. Conversely, when excited atoms emit light, they produce an emission line spectrum, which consists of specific wavelengths characteristic of the elements or molecules present.
So, in summary, a continuous spectrum shows a range of frequencies or wavelengths, like white light, while an emission spectrum displays only certain discrete wavelengths or frequencies.