Absorption and emission spectrum

Question 1

Energy being quantised means….

Answer 1

Electrons only exist within specific energy levels because each will have the same energy amount.
-energy given = move higher level

Question 2

Describe what is meant by an electrons excited state.

Answer 2

• unstable
• electrons will move to initial shell in order to become stable again
• emits energy that was absorbed
• electromagnetic radiation (in the form of light)

Question 3

Describe what is meant by an electrons ground state

Answer 3

• stable
• lowest energy level
• will absorb energy in the form of heat to move up an energy level

Question 4

Colour order and data of an electromagnetic radiation (low to higher)

Answer 4

red (low energy and frequency)
orange
yellow
green
blue
indigo
violet (high energy and frequency)

Question 5

How does absoprtion spectra take place?

Answer 5

The absorption of energy to move an electron to a higher level where it becomes excited + unstable

• energy absorbed (in the form of heat) must be a specific amount, corresponding to the difference in the levels
• this energy supply can be displayed by varying colours with different wavelengths and frequencies

Question 6

What are absorption lines?

Answer 6

Specific lines of colour in the spectrum which have been absorbed to promote and electron to a higher energy level

Question 7

Explain how emission spectra works

Answer 7

• unknown element is unstable after absorbing heat and moving up an energy level
• energy is emitted when it then falls back to it’s ground state (becomes stable again)
• energy is light, corresponding to the difference in energy between the levels

Question 8

Use of the flame test:

Answer 8

Identifies unknown and different metal ions with different energy levels and electron configurations

Question 9

Positives and negatives of the flame test

Answer 9

Positive;
-quick and easy

Negative;

• subjective (colour wise)
• easily contaminated
• hardly any ions produce visible colour

Question 10

Types of metals and their colours emitted:

Answer 10

sodium=yellow
copper=green
lithium=crimson
calcium=red
potassium=lilac