Final answer:
A xenon arc lamp is a type of gas discharge light that simulates natural daylight, producing a wide, continuous spectrum of light covering the full visible range. Its emission spectrum differs from atomic spectra of single elements, which typically show distinct lines representing specific wavelengths.
Step-by-step explanation:
A xenon arc lamp is a specialized type of gas discharge lamp that produces light by passing electricity through ionized xenon gas at high pressure. The result is a bright, white light that closely mimics natural sunlight. The emission spectrum of a xenon arc lamp is continuous and does not have sharp spikes or lines like those seen in the atomic spectra of single elements, which instead consist of discrete vibrant lines representing specific wavelengths.
The spectrum of a xenon arc lamp is often compared to that of the sun, providing a wide range of wavelengths covering the visible spectrum and extending into the ultraviolet and infrared regions. This makes xenon arc lamps useful in applications that require a simulation of natural daylight.
To isolate an emission spectrum, the process involves energizing a gas in a discharge tube, passing the emitted light through a slit and a diffraction grating to separate it into its constituent wavelengths, which are then captured on a photographic film or detected by sensors. This technique helps in analyzing the spectrum of the light emitted by the gas.