Discrete Emission Line Spectra
Definition
Discrete emission line spectra refers to when atoms emit light at specific wavelengths, creating distinct lines on a spectrum. Each line corresponds to a particular energy transition within an atom.
Analogy
Imagine you have different colored LED lights that can only emit light at specific wavelengths. When you turn them on, they produce distinct colors without any blending. Similarly, atoms emit light at specific wavelengths, resulting in discrete emission line spectra without any overlapping colors.
Related terms
Absorption Spectrum: The spectrum formed when light passes through a substance and certain wavelengths are absorbed by its atoms or molecules.
Energy Levels (or Shells): Specific regions around an atomic nucleus where electrons can exist with different amounts of energy.
Quantum Mechanics: The branch of physics that describes phenomena at very small scales, such as atomic and subatomic particles.
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