Question

How can atomic emission spectra be useful?

Answer 1

A range of radiations of wavelengths obtained when light is emitted by any atom is passed through a prism and examined directly with a spectroscope is known as atomic emission spectra. We know that when an atom absorbs energy, the electrons get excited to a higher energy level. The electrons emit light when they fall back to a lower energy level. This gives rise to emission.

Complete step by step answer:
- A range of radiations of wavelengths obtained when light is emitted by any atom is passed through a prism and examined directly with a spectroscope is known as atomic emission spectra.
- We know that when an atom absorbs energy, the electrons get excited to a higher energy level. The electrons emit light when they fall back to a lower energy level. This gives rise to emission.
- Atomic emission spectroscopy works on the principle that the atoms get excited by thermal energy and emit light of specific wavelengths.
- Different colours of light are emitted by the atoms of different elements. This helps in identifying the elements. Thus, the atomic emission spectra of different elements are unique.
- Thus, the atomic emission spectra is useful to determine the identity, structure and environment of the atoms by analysing the emitted radiations or light.

Note: The atomic emission spectra is different for different gases. Thus, one can now find the particular gas by looking at the atomic emission spectra. Remember that the radiations emitted when a gas is heated do not only comprise of the radiations in the visible region but also comprise of the radiations other than the visible region.