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Emission Spectrum (Simplified) definitions

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  • Emission Spectrum
    A pattern of colored lines produced when light from excited atoms is separated into its component wavelengths by a prism.
  • Shell
    A region around an atomic nucleus where electrons are likely to be found, each with a specific energy level.
  • Electron
    A negatively charged subatomic particle that can occupy different energy levels within an atom.
  • Energy Level
    A specific amount of energy associated with an electron's position within an atom's shell.
  • Ground State
    The lowest possible energy configuration for an electron within an atom.
  • Prism
    A transparent optical element that splits incoming light into its component wavelengths, forming distinct spectral lines.
  • Wavelength
    The distance between consecutive peaks of a wave, determining the color of light in the spectrum.
  • Frequency
    The number of wave cycles passing a point per second, related to the energy of emitted light.
  • Slit
    A narrow opening that focuses emitted light, allowing closely packed wavelengths to be separated and measured.
  • Line Spectrum
    A series of discrete colored lines, each representing a specific wavelength emitted by electrons transitioning between energy levels.
  • Transition
    A change in an electron's energy level, resulting in the emission or absorption of light.
  • Discrete Line
    A single, distinct color observed in the emission spectrum, corresponding to a specific electron energy change.
  • Emitted Light
    Radiation released when an electron moves from a higher to a lower energy shell within an atom.
  • Component Wavelength
    An individual wavelength present in the light emitted by an atom, separated by a prism.
  • Energy
    A quantifiable property released or absorbed during electron transitions, measurable through wavelength and frequency.