The discussion revolves around the dual nature of electron spectra, specifically focusing on the conditions under which emission and absorption spectra are observed in atomic transitions. Participants explore the transitions of electrons between energy states in hydrogen atoms and the implications for spectral lines.
Participants express uncertainty regarding the conditions under which both emission and absorption spectra can be observed, and there is no consensus on the specifics of the transitions or their implications.
Some discussions reference specific transitions and the behavior of gases, but there are unresolved aspects regarding the exact mechanisms and conditions that lead to the observation of both types of spectra.
Bob S said:You can directly excite the 1s -> 3p transition absorption line in a hydrogen atom, but only about 88% of the excited states will go back to the 1s directly by a 3p -> 1s transition.. The other 12% will go back down via the 2s state. Is this your question?
Bob S
Some gases can absorb their own emission lines. The strong yellow sodium D lines at 5890 Angstroms (two lines separated by about 5 Angstroms) in sodium arc lamps have absorption notches in the center of each broad line, because the cooler gas surrounding the arc is absorbing the emission from the hot arc. This can be seen with a good diffraction grating. [Actually, the emission line width is due in part to collisional broadening.]astro2cosmos said:is this transition emit both emission & absorption spectra?