- #1
Ace2005
- 5
- 0
I'm confused
So the atoms becaome excited by absorbing energy, like from a hot flame, so this energy makes an electron (or is it all electrons) in the outer shell (or is it all the shells) move to a higher energy level and when the electron(s) return to its(their) ground state, they give off energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation, which scientists use to ID elements. So the spectrum of an element must always be the same if they can use it like a finger print for that element.
The thing that i don't get is the thing that makes the spectrum the same each time. i mean if you have an atom, and you give it energy, and the electron in the outer shell jumps to a higher shell, if you keep giving energy won't it just keep going higher? and if it can go to different shell won't it give out different wavelengths of light as it jumps back, since the distance of the jump back is different? what about loosing the electron after it has enough energy?
I googled it but i keep getting the statement that the "Each atom's atomic emission spectrum is unique" not the reason why its always the same
So the atoms becaome excited by absorbing energy, like from a hot flame, so this energy makes an electron (or is it all electrons) in the outer shell (or is it all the shells) move to a higher energy level and when the electron(s) return to its(their) ground state, they give off energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation, which scientists use to ID elements. So the spectrum of an element must always be the same if they can use it like a finger print for that element.
The thing that i don't get is the thing that makes the spectrum the same each time. i mean if you have an atom, and you give it energy, and the electron in the outer shell jumps to a higher shell, if you keep giving energy won't it just keep going higher? and if it can go to different shell won't it give out different wavelengths of light as it jumps back, since the distance of the jump back is different? what about loosing the electron after it has enough energy?
I googled it but i keep getting the statement that the "Each atom's atomic emission spectrum is unique" not the reason why its always the same