Which type of spectrum is produced by a neon sign?

• A. Line emission spectrum
• B. Absorption spectrum
• C. Band spectrum
• D. Continuous spectrum

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that a neon sign produces light by exciting neon gas atoms with an electric current, causing electrons in the atoms to move to higher energy levels.
2. When these excited electrons return to lower energy levels, they emit light at specific wavelengths characteristic of neon atoms.
3. This emission of light at discrete wavelengths results in a spectrum composed of distinct lines, known as a line emission spectrum.
4. Contrast this with other types of spectra: an absorption spectrum shows dark lines where light is absorbed, a band spectrum is typical of molecules with vibrational and rotational transitions, and a continuous spectrum contains all wavelengths without gaps.
5. Therefore, the type of spectrum produced by a neon sign is a line emission spectrum because it emits light at specific wavelengths unique to neon atoms.