Question

There are three general types of spectra: continuous, emission, and absorption. Each is characterized by a different distribution of the wavelengths (i.e., colors) of radiation. Sort the images of the three types of spectra into the appropriate bins.

Drag each spectrum to the appropriate bin.

Answer 1

Each type of spectrum is unique in the way the wavelengths (colors) of light are distributed. The continuous spectrum shows a continuum of all the colors, whereas the emission spectra show only specific lines of emitted color. The absorption spectra show only small black ranges where specific colors have been absorbed away.

A continuous spectrum is produced by a hot, high-density light source. An emission spectrum is produced by a hot, low-density light source. An absorption spectrum is produced by a hot, high-density light source shining through a cool, low-density medium.

Continuous
- image 1 (full spectrum)

Emission
- image 2 (mostly dark)
- image 5 (mostly dark)

Absorption
- image 3 (full with lines)
- image 4 (full with lines)