Electromagnetic Radiation & Aromic Spectra

Question 1

What evidence is there for the existence of energy levels?

Answer 1

That the light energy emitted by an atom produces a spectrum that is made up of a series of lines at discrete (quantised) energy levels.

Question 2

Describe absorption spectroscopy?

Answer 2

Electromagnetic radiation is directed at an atomised sample and radiation is absorbed as electrons as promoted to higher energy levels.

Question 3

Describe emission spectroscopy?

Answer 3

High temperatures are used to excite the electrons within atoms which causes the electrons to drop to lower energy levels, emitting photons in the process.