The bright-line spectrum produced by the excited atoms of an element contains wavelengths that are
A)the same for all elements.
B)characteristic of the particular element.
C)evenly distributed throughout the entire visible spectrum.
D)different from the wavelengths in its dark-line spectrum.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The bright-line spectrum produced by the excited atoms of an element contains wavelengths that are characteristic of the particular element. Each element has a unique set of energy levels and electron transitions, which gives rise to a unique set of spectral lines in its bright-line spectrum. Therefore, the bright-line spectrum can be used to identify the element present in a sample.

The Bright-Line Spectrum Produced by the Excited Atoms of an Element