What causes the emission spectrum of an element?

• A. Atoms gaining electrons from their surroundings
• B. Electrons transitioning from higher to lower energy levels, releasing photons
• C. Protons moving between energy levels in the nucleus
• D. Neutrons absorbing energy and emitting light

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that an emission spectrum is produced when atoms emit light at specific wavelengths.
2. Recognize that electrons in an atom occupy discrete energy levels or orbitals.
3. When an electron absorbs energy, it moves to a higher energy level (excited state).
4. As the electron returns from a higher energy level to a lower energy level (ground state or a lower excited state), it releases energy in the form of a photon.
5. The energy of the emitted photon corresponds to the difference between the two energy levels, producing the characteristic emission spectrum of the element.