Absorption line spectrum is obtaineda)If we pass off-white (discrete-s...
If light from a continuous spectrum passes through a cool, transparent gas we observe dark lines appear in the spectrum. The lines occur where atoms of the gas have absorbed specific wavelengths of light. Hence we call this type of spectrum an absorption spectrum.
Absorption line spectrum is obtaineda)If we pass off-white (discrete-s...
Absorption line spectrum is obtained:
If we pass white (continuous-spectrum) light through a cool gas
When white light passes through a cool gas, the gas absorbs certain wavelengths of light, resulting in dark lines or gaps in the continuous spectrum. These dark lines are known as absorption lines. Each absorption line corresponds to a specific wavelength that is absorbed by the gas. The gas absorbs these specific wavelengths because the atoms or molecules in the gas can only absorb energy in discrete amounts, known as energy levels.
Explanation:
When white light, which contains a continuous spectrum of all colors or wavelengths, passes through a cool gas, the atoms or molecules in the gas can absorb specific wavelengths of light. This happens because the energy levels of the atoms or molecules are quantized, meaning they can only absorb energy in specific amounts.
When an atom or molecule absorbs a photon of light, it gains energy and transitions to a higher energy level. The absorbed energy corresponds to a specific wavelength of light. The remaining light that is not absorbed by the gas continues to pass through and is observed as a dark line or gap in the spectrum.
The specific wavelengths of light that are absorbed by the gas depend on the energy levels of the atoms or molecules and the composition of the gas. Each element or compound has its own unique set of energy levels, and therefore, its own set of absorption lines. By studying the absorption lines, scientists can identify the elements or compounds present in the gas.
In the case of passing off-white light (discrete-spectrum) through a cool gas, the light contains only specific wavelengths or colors. This means that the gas can only absorb the specific wavelengths present in the light, resulting in absorption lines that correspond to those wavelengths.
Therefore, the correct answer is option 'D' - If we pass white (continuous-spectrum) light through a cool gas.