Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Spectra refers to the range of colors produced when light is separated into its component wavelengths. It can also refer more broadly to the patterns of electromagnetic radiation emitted or absorbed by atoms, molecules, or other systems.
Related terms
Absorption Spectrum: An absorption spectrum is produced when an object absorbs specific wavelengths of light from a continuous spectrum, resulting in dark lines at those wavelengths.
Emission Spectrum: An emission spectrum is produced when an object emits specific wavelengths of light, resulting in bright lines at those wavelengths against a dark background.
Continuous Spectrum: A continuous spectrum contains all possible wavelengths and shows no gaps or lines. It represents a broad range of colors without any missing parts.