How do atoms emit light in the context of their emission spectrum?

• A. By splitting into smaller atoms and releasing energy.
• B. By electrons transitioning from higher to lower energy levels, releasing photons.
• C. By colliding with other atoms and transferring kinetic energy.
• D. By absorbing photons and moving electrons to higher energy levels.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that atoms emit light due to changes in the energy states of their electrons.
2. Recall that electrons in an atom occupy specific energy levels or orbitals, which are quantized.
3. When an electron transitions from a higher energy level to a lower energy level, the atom releases energy in the form of a photon.
4. The energy of the emitted photon corresponds to the difference between the two energy levels, given by the formula \(E = h \nu\), where \(E\) is energy, \(h\) is Planck's constant, and \(\nu\) is the frequency of the emitted light.
5. This process creates the emission spectrum, which is a series of discrete lines representing photons of specific energies emitted by the atom.