Slit Prism

410 434 486 656

nm nm nm nm

Hydrogen gas
discharge tube "(nm) 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750
Hydrogen’s atomic emission spectrum

Figure 5-9
The atomic emission spectrum of
hydrogen consists of four dis-
tinct colored lines of different
frequencies. This type of spec-
trum is also known as a line
spectrum. Which line has the
highest energy?
An atomic emission spectrum is characteristic of the element being
examined and can be used to identify that element. The fact that only cer-
tain colors appear in an element’s atomic emission spectrum means that
only certain specific frequencies of light are emitted. And because those
emitted frequencies of light are related to energy by the formula Ephoton! h!,
it can be concluded that only photons having certain specific energies are
emitted. This conclusion was not predicted by the laws of classical physics
known at that time. Scientists found atomic emission spectra puzzling
because they had expected to observe the emission of a continuous series
of colors and energies as excited electrons lost energy and spiraled toward
the nucleus. In the next section, you will learn about the continuing devel-
opment of atomic models, and how one of those models was able to account
for the frequencies of the light emitted by excited atoms.

Section 5.1 Assessment

7. List the characteristic properties of all waves. At
what speed do electromagnetic waves travel in a
vacuum?
8. Compare the wave and particle models of light.
What phenomena can only be explained by the
particle model?
9. What is a quantum of energy? Explain how quanta
of energy are involved in the amount of energy
matter gains and loses.
10. Explain the difference between the continuous
spectrum of white light and the atomic emission
spectrum of an element.
11. Thinking Critically Explain how Einstein uti-
lized Planck’s quantum concept in explaining the
photoelectric effect.
12. Interpreting Scientific Illustrations Use
Figure 5-5 and your knowledge of light to match
the numbered items on the right with the lettered
items on the left. The numbered items may be
used more than once or not at all.
a. longest wavelength 1. gamma rays
b. highest frequency 2. infrared waves
c. greatest energy 3. radio waves

126 Chapter 5 Electrons in Atoms chemistrymc.com/self_check_quiz