Spectroscopy is a technique that uses the interaction of radiant energy with matter to identify or quantify a substance in a sample. A deuterium lamp is often used a light source in the ultraviolet region of the spectrum and the emission spectrum is shown. Is this a continuous or line emission spectrum?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of emission spectra. Emission spectra can be either continuous or line spectra. A continuous spectrum shows a seamless range of wavelengths, while a line spectrum shows distinct lines at specific wavelengths.
2. Step 2: Observe the provided graph. The graph shows absorbance versus wavelength, ranging from 200 nm to 800 nm.
3. Step 3: Analyze the graph. Notice that the graph displays peaks at certain wavelengths rather than a smooth, continuous distribution of absorbance values.
4. Step 4: Identify the type of spectrum. Since the graph shows distinct peaks at specific wavelengths, it indicates the presence of a line emission spectrum rather than a continuous spectrum.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the emission spectrum shown in the graph is a line emission spectrum, as it consists of discrete peaks corresponding to specific wavelengths.

Key Concepts

Spectroscopy

Spectroscopy is the study of how matter interacts with electromagnetic radiation. It involves measuring the absorption, emission, or scattering of light by substances to identify their composition and concentration. Different types of spectroscopy, such as UV-Vis, IR, and NMR, utilize specific regions of the electromagnetic spectrum to provide insights into molecular structure and behavior.

Continuous vs. Line Emission Spectrum

A continuous emission spectrum displays a seamless range of wavelengths, indicating that all colors of light are emitted. In contrast, a line emission spectrum consists of distinct lines at specific wavelengths, representing the emission of light from atoms or molecules transitioning between energy levels. The type of spectrum observed can provide information about the electronic structure of the substance being analyzed.

Absorbance Spectrum

An absorbance spectrum is a graphical representation of how much light a substance absorbs at different wavelengths. Peaks in the absorbance spectrum indicate wavelengths where the substance absorbs light strongly, which corresponds to electronic transitions. Analyzing the absorbance spectrum helps in identifying the presence of specific compounds and understanding their concentration in a sample.