Continuous and Discontinuous Spectra

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Continuous and Discontinuous Spectra

• Spectrum picture of light
• Spectra plural of spectrum
• Light diffraction produces a spectrum
• Each element has a characteristic spectrum
• Diffraction gives information about atom structure

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Continuous and Discontinuous Spectra

• White light gives a continuous spectrum of all
  colors

Prism or Diffraction Grating
Continuous Spectrum (Rainbow)
WHITE Light
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Continuous and Discontinuous Spectra

• With elements as the light source line spectra
  are produced

Excited
Prism or Diffraction Grating
Dis-Continuous Spectrum (4 Lines Only!)
HYDROGEN Source
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Continuous and Discontinuous Spectra

• With elements as the light source line spectra
  are produced

Excited
Prism or Diffraction Grating
Dis-Continuous Spectrum (2 Lines Only!)
SODIUM Source
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Some Uses for Spectra

• Using a spectroscope, scientists can identify the
  elements that make up distant stars
• Scientists can identify molecules here on earth
• Explanation of the line spectrum of hydrogen
  gives us the Bohr Model of the Atom, where
  electrons circle the nucleus in orbits.