Inorganic Chemistry - 1)a) Electromagnetic Spectrum Flashcards
(12 cards)
how can the electromagnetic spectrum by described?
as a wave and as a particle
what term can be used to describe the nature of the electromagnetic spectrum?
dual nature
why is the electromagnetic spectrum said to have a dual nature?
it can be described as a wave and as a particle
what can be said about visible light?
it is only a very small part of the electromagnetic spectrum
what are the different types of radiation in the electromagnetic spectrum in order of increasing energy?
Long-wave radio
Short-wave radio
Microwaves
Millimetre waves
Infrared light
Visible light
Ultraviolet light
X-rays
Gamma rays
what happens when a photon is emitted or absorbed?
energy is lost or gained by electrons in the sample being studied
what is an absorption spectrum?
An absorption spectrum is produced by measuring how the intensity of absorbed light varies with wavelength.
how does the absorption spectrum work?
In absorption spectroscopy, electromagnetic radiation is directed at an atomised sample.
Radiation is absorbed as electrons are promoted to higher energy levels.
what is an emission spectrum?
An emission spectrum of a sample is produced by measuring the intensity of light emitted at different wavelengths.
how does the emission spectrum work?
In emission spectroscopy, high temperatures are used to excite the electrons within atoms.
As the electrons drop to lower energy levels, photons are emitted.
what is atomic spectroscopy?
In atomic spectroscopy, the concentration of an element within a sample is related to the intensity of light emitted or absorbed.
Explain why there can be a series of lines at discrete wavelengths in the emission spectrum:
different electron transitions
