When a neon lamp is turned on, what type of visible spectrum does it produce?

• A. A continuous spectrum with all visible wavelengths
• B. An absorption spectrum with dark lines on a bright background
• C. A band spectrum with broad regions of color
• D. A line spectrum consisting of discrete bright lines

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the visible spectrum produced by a light source depends on the nature of the source and the processes involved in light emission.
2. Recall that a continuous spectrum contains all visible wavelengths without interruption, typically produced by incandescent solids or liquids.
3. Recognize that an absorption spectrum shows dark lines on a bright background, caused by specific wavelengths being absorbed by cooler gas in front of a continuous source.
4. Know that a band spectrum consists of broad regions of color, often produced by molecules with vibrational and rotational transitions.
5. Identify that a neon lamp produces light by exciting neon gas atoms, which emit light at specific wavelengths as electrons drop between discrete energy levels, resulting in a line spectrum with discrete bright lines.