Question

You hear two students discussing spectra. Student one says, "The types of spectra are related to the temperature of the material. Absorption spectra are created by cold, thin gasses absorbing photons and emission spectra are created by hot, thin gasses releasing photons." Student two says, "No, the temperature of the material has nothing to do with the type of spectrum produced, it only determines the number of photons released." You should ____.

Answer 1

The temperature of a gas influences both the type of spectrum it produces and the number of photons released; however, the specific wavelengths that are absorbed or emitted are unique to each element and do not change with temperature.

Step-by-step explanation:

Both students discussing spectra have partially correct views. Temperature indeed affects the type of spectrum produced by a gas and how many photons are released. When we have a hot, thin gas, it can emit an emission spectrum, which is a unique pattern of spectral lines that corresponds to the transitions of electrons between energy levels within its atoms or molecules. Absorption spectra, contrastingly, occur when white light passes through a cool, thin gas, with certain wavelengths being absorbed and leaving dark lines, known as Fraunhofer lines, in the spectrum.

Temperature and other conditions determine whether the lines are bright or dark. Thus, the initial energy levels of the electrons, which are influenced by temperature, indicate the temperature of the gas. This relationship helps astronomers gather information about stellar and interstellar temperatures.

In conclusion, the temperature of a gas affects both the presence of spectral lines and their intensity, but the specific wavelengths absorbed or emitted are characteristic of the element regardless of temperature. Spectral analysis remains a critical tool for understanding the compositions and conditions of various celestial bodies.