CHAPTER 2.3 THE ATOMIC SPECTRUM OF HYDROGEN Flashcards
1
Q
Continuous Spectrum
A
A spectrum that exhibits all the wavelengths of visible light.
2
Q
Line Spectrum
A
A spectrum showing only certain discrete wavelengths.
Ex.) The line spectrum of hydrogen (which we can see) is explained by quantized energy levels (which we cannot see).
3
Q
We now have evidence that electron energies in the atoms are quantized. Some of this evidence is discussed in this chapter. What if energies in atoms were not quantized? What are some differences we would notice?
A
The discrete line spectrum of hydrogen shows that only certain energies are possible; that is, the electron energies are quantized. In contrast, if any energy were allowed, the emission spectrum would be continuous.
