Question

Atomic and molecular spectra are discrete. What does discrete mean, and how are discrete spectra related to the quantization of energy and electron orbits in atoms and molecules?

a) Discrete means continuous; spectra result from continuous energy levels.

b) Discrete means separate and distinct; spectra result from quantized energy levels.

c) Discrete means random; spectra are unrelated to energy quantization.

d) Discrete means hidden; spectra are only observable under specific conditions.

Answer 1

Discrete means separate and distinct. In atomic and molecular spectra, discrete spectra result from quantized energy levels.

Step-by-step explanation:

Discrete means separate and distinct. In the context of atomic and molecular spectra, discrete spectra result from quantized energy levels. This means that the energy levels of electrons in atoms and molecules are not continuous, but rather exist in specific, defined levels.

When an electron transitions between these discrete energy levels, it emits or absorbs photons of specific wavelengths, resulting in the observation of discrete spectra.