A heavy neutral atom, such as iron, produces many spectral lines compared to light elementslike hydrogen and helium. Why?
A)Because of the larger number of electrons and corresponding energy levels, more transitionsare possible.
B)Because of the larger number of electrons, there are many ionization levels possible.
C)Because of the larger number protons, the amount of force holding the electrons to the atomcan vary between different iron atoms.
D)Because of the atom's larger size, it will be hit by more photons in a beam of light.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A heavy neutral atom like iron has a larger number of electrons and corresponding energy levels, allowing for more transitions and therefore more spectral lines. Lighter elements like hydrogen and helium have fewer electrons and energy levels, resulting in fewer spectral lines. Heavy neutral atoms such as iron have more electrons and corresponding energy levels than lighter elements like hydrogen and helium. This means that there are more possible transitions between these energy levels, resulting in the production of many spectral lines.

A Heavy Neutral Atom, Such as Iron, Produces Many Spectral