emission spectrum
- Noun:
- A spectrum of electromagnetic radiation emitted by a self-luminous source: An emission spectrum is the pattern of distinct lines or bands of light (electromagnetic radiation) produced when the atoms or molecules of a substance are excited (e.g., by heat or electrical energy) and then release that energy. Each element or compound has a unique emission spectrum, like a fingerprint.
- Noun:
- Scientists analyzed the star's composition by studying its emission spectrum.
- The characteristic bright lines in the emission spectrum of hydrogen are visible through a spectroscope.
- The gas tube glowed with a specific color, revealing its unique emission spectrum.
"Continuous emission spectrum": A spectrum that shows an unbroken band of colors, emitted by hot, dense solids, liquids, or high-pressure gases.
- An incandescent light bulb produces a continuous emission spectrum.
"Line emission spectrum": A spectrum consisting of distinct, bright lines at specific wavelengths, emitted by hot, low-density gases.
- The line emission spectrum of neon is used in brightly colored advertising signs.
Emission (n): The act of sending out light, heat, or other energy.
- The emission of greenhouse gases is a major environmental concern.
Spectrum (n): The entire range of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation.
- Visible light is just a small part of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Absorption spectrum (n): The pattern of dark lines or bands in a spectrum, created when light passes through a cooler gas that absorbs specific wavelengths. This is the opposite of an emission spectrum.
- Bright-line spectrum: Another term for a line emission spectrum.
- Characteristic spectrum: Emphasizes that the spectrum is unique to a particular substance.
To produce an emission spectrum: To generate or create an emission spectrum.
- Heating the element in a flame will cause it to produce an emission spectrum.
To observe/record an emission spectrum: To view or document the spectrum.
- The lab exercise required students to observe the emission spectrum of various salts.
Spectroscopy: The scientific study of spectra, including emission spectra, used to identify substances.
- Emission spectroscopy is a key technique in analytical chemistry.
Atomic spectrum: Often refers specifically to the line emission spectrum produced by excited atoms.
- The atomic spectrum of mercury is used to calibrate spectrometers.
- spectrum of electromagnetic radiation emitted by a self-luminous source