Why Does Hydrogen Emit a Line Spectrum Instead of a Continuous Spectrum?

[k_squared]

Homework Statement

My Chemistry book says: "Before reading further about the details of Bohr's model, speculate as to how they explain the fact that hydrogen gas emits a line spectrum rather than a continuous spectrum."

Homework Equations

The Rydberg Equation, though I suppose this is more of a conceptual confusion.

The Attempt at a Solution

If I am correct... this is because there are only so many orbits that that electron can assume (its relaxing from these exited orbits that emit the light? Thats where the engery goes when in depart the atom...). But this begs the question: how come anything, then, emits a continuous spectrum? Also, does a hydrogen atom have to absorb a certain amount of quanta for the electron to move up to any given orbit? Or is it CONSTANTLY jumping back down and it... well, I'd appreciate any help...

Thanks!

 

[nate808]

Hello,

Thank you for your question! The line spectrum of hydrogen gas can be explained by Bohr's model of the atom, which states that electrons can only occupy specific energy levels or orbits around the nucleus. When an electron in a higher energy level "jumps" down to a lower energy level, it emits a photon of light with a specific energy corresponding to the energy difference between the two levels. This explains why hydrogen gas emits specific wavelengths of light, or a line spectrum, rather than a continuous spectrum.

To address your question about continuous spectra, this can be explained by the fact that not all atoms have the same energy levels or orbits for their electrons. Each element has a unique set of energy levels, and when the electrons in these levels transition, they emit light at different wavelengths, resulting in a continuous spectrum.

As for your question about the absorption of quanta, yes, an electron must absorb a specific amount of energy (in the form of a photon) to move from one energy level to another. This energy corresponds to the energy difference between the two levels. And yes, the electron is constantly jumping between energy levels, but it is only when it jumps from a higher level to a lower level that it emits light.

I hope this helps clarify your confusion. Let me know if you have any other questions!



Chemist