1.2.3 Atomic Structure - Emission Absorption Flashcards
(3 cards)
1
Q
How do atoms emit photons?
A
Electrons absorb and emit electromagnetic radiation. When they absorb radiation they move up an energy level into their excited state. When they lose this energy and fall back to ground state, they emit a photon of life energy which is specific to each element.
2
Q
What is an absorption/emission spectrum?
A
The light emitted from each atom, has a specific wavelength and produces a unique emission spectrum.
3
Q
How can an emission spectrum help identify elements?
A
Since each element produces an unique emission spectra, an unidentified elements spectrum can be compared to all known spectra to identify them.
