1. How atoms emit light Atoms actually emit light by reflecting it. The electrons in an atoms have certain values of energy, think of it as a “ladder” of energy values. Just like the shells or layers of electrons around the nucleus.

2. Atoms gain energy When an atom gains energy such as heat from a flame the higher the color from the “ladder” the atom would emit. This is why metal glows red when heated and then “white hot” when more heat is added.

3. Explanation

4. Citations physforum.com firedrakewroughtiron.com telegraph.co.uk hellanstrainer.com deism.com http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_do_ato ms_emit_lighthttp://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_do_ato ms_emit_light http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJBcXF sFa7Y