214k views
4 votes
Two types of emission spectra line spectra and continuous spectra
True
False

User Nucab
by
5.1k points

2 Answers

5 votes

Final answer:

It is false that there are only two types; there are three: continuous spectra, line spectra (emission and absorption), and absorption spectra. Continuous spectra contain all wavelengths, whereas line spectra show distinct bright or dark lines specific to the composition of the gas.

Step-by-step explanation:

It is false that there are only two types of emission spectra because there are actually three types of spectra: continuous spectra, line spectra (consisting of both emission and absorption spectra), and absorption spectra. A continuous spectrum is produced by a solid or dense gas and consists of all wavelengths or colors of light, much like a rainbow. In contrast, a line spectrum shows only certain discrete wavelengths of light and is produced when a gas at low pressure is excited by an electrical current or heat. This results in distinct bright lines in an emission spectrum, or dark lines in an absorption spectrum when viewed against a continuous background. The specific pattern of these lines can be used to identify the composition of the gas.

User David Prieto
by
5.3k points
3 votes
A continuous spectrum is the emission of a continuous range of frequencies of electromagnetic radiation. An emission spectrum consists of coloured lines produced when an electron jumps from a higher energy level to a lower energy level.
User Thatgibbyguy
by
5.9k points