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Which of the following can produce a continuous spectrum?

a) A hot solid
b) A cold gas at low density
c) A hot gas at low density
d) A gas consisting entirely of molecules

User Jan Buchar
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

A hot solid can produce a continuous spectrum, whereas cold gas at low density, hot gas at low density, and gas consisting entirely of molecules cannot.

Step-by-step explanation:

A continuous spectrum can be produced by a hot solid. When a solid is heated, it emits light at all wavelengths, resulting in a continuous spectrum. This is because the atoms in solids are closely packed, allowing for the absorption and emission of a wide range of wavelengths. On the other hand, a cold gas at low density, a hot gas at low density, and a gas consisting entirely of molecules would not produce a continuous spectrum, but rather line spectra with specific discrete wavelengths.

User Ryan Bigg
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