Atomic Emission Spectra

Electromagnetic Spectrum

Visible Spectrum White light (such as the light produced by the sun) is actually made up of 7 individual colors of light. ROYGBIV-Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, and Violet –are the colors of the visible spectrum The visible spectrum are the wavelengths of light that the eye can see

Atoms and Energy When an atom is exposed to energy (heat, light, electricity, laser energy, etc), the electrons in the atom absorb the energy and move to a higher energy level. These electrons are said to be in the excited state. The excited electrons return to their stable lower energy state (ground state) by releasing the energy that was absorbed. The energy that is released is seen as a specific color of light. The color that is seen is based on the atom’s electron arrangement and the wavelengths of light being emitted. Examples observed in everyday life: neon signs, fireworks, logs that give off colored flames, highway lights

Atomic Emission Spectra If the light that is emitted as electrons return to their ground state is passed through a prism, the light is separated into its individual components. The atomic emission spectrum of an atom is the set of wavelengths of the light emitted by electrons of the atom. Each element’s atomic emission spectrum is unique and can be used to identify an element, much like a fingerprint can be used to identify a person. A flame test is a laboratory procedure that can be used to identify an unknown element.

Emission Spectrum Hydrogen Helium Mercury Uranium

Emission Spectrum