When a noble gas is heated and the emitted light is passed through a prism, what is observed?

• A. A single bright line in the center of the spectrum
• B. A series of distinct, colored lines at specific wavelengths
• C. A continuous spectrum of all visible colors
• D. A dark background with no visible lines

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that when a noble gas is heated, its atoms gain energy and electrons move to higher energy levels (excited states).
2. As the electrons return to lower energy levels (ground state), they emit light at specific wavelengths corresponding to the energy differences between these levels.
3. This emitted light is not continuous but consists of discrete wavelengths, which appear as distinct colored lines when passed through a prism.
4. These lines form what is called an emission spectrum, unique to each element, showing a series of bright lines at specific wavelengths.
5. Therefore, the observation is a series of distinct, colored lines at specific wavelengths, not a continuous spectrum or a single bright line.