Question

The light produced by a red neon sign is due to the emission of light by excited neon atoms. Qualitatively describe the spectrum produced by passing light from a neon lamp through a prism.

a) Continuous spectrum
b) Emission spectrum
c) Absorption spectrum
d) Line spectrum

Answer 1

The spectrum produced by passing light from a neon lamp through a prism is an emission spectrum. When neutral neon atoms are excited and then decay to the ground state, specific wavelengths of light are emitted, creating distinct lines when passed through a prism.

Step-by-step explanation:

The spectrum produced by passing light from a neon lamp through a prism is an emission spectrum.

When an electrical discharge excites neutral neon atoms to a higher energy state, light is emitted when the atoms decay to the ground state. The emitted light consists of specific wavelengths or colors, which create distinct lines when passed through a prism. In the case of a neon lamp, the emitted light will primarily be in the red color range.