Absorption Spectra

Definition

Absorption spectra represent the specific wavelengths or colors of light absorbed by an atom or molecule when transitioning from a lower energy state to an excited state.

Related terms

Ground State: The lowest energy state of an electron within an atom or molecule.

Continuous Spectrum: A type of spectrum that contains all wavelengths without any gaps or lines.

Spectrophotometer: An instrument used to measure the absorption or transmission of light by a substance as a function of wavelength.