What is the difference between Emission and Absorption Spectra?
Emission and absorption spectra are distinct in how they reveal the interaction of matter with light. An absorption spectrum illustrates the wavelengths of light that a substance absorbs when it transitions from a lower energy state to a higher one, displaying dark lines or bands at those absorbed wavelengths. Conversely, an emission spectrum displays the specific wavelengths of light that a substance emits as it returns from a higher energy state to a lower one, generating bright lines or bands at those emitted wavelengths. In essence, absorption spectra depict what light a substance absorbs, while emission spectra reveal what light it releases, providing valuable information for various fields, including chemistry and astrophysics.
Difference Between Emission And Absorption Spectra
Difference Between Emission And Absorption Spectra: In spectroscopy, two types of spectra are used emission spectra and absorption spectra. The study of the interaction between matter and electromagnetic radiation is known as spectroscopy. The electromagnetic radiation spectrum produced when an electron changes from a high energy state to a lower energy state is known as the emission spectrum of a chemical element or chemical compound.
Spectra of both sorts offer information about the energy levels of molecules as well as atoms. When electrons absorb energy from their ground state to reach higher energy states, they emit light at frequencies with dark bands. The emission spectra of each element are distinct. Atoms absorb energy to create this kind of spectrum. They differ, however, in terms of how they are created and the information they give.
In this article, you will read about the difference between emission and absorption spectra, along with their definition, and the spectra of hydrogen atoms.
Table of Content
- What is Emission Spectra?
- What is Absorption Spectra?
- What is the difference between Emission and Absorption Spectra?
- Tabular Difference Between Emission and Absorption Spectra
- Emission and Absorption spectra of Hydrogen Atom
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