Emission from hydrogen discharge tube

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the emission spectra of atomic hydrogen observed in a discharge tube compared to that of hydrogen in stellar environments. Participants are exploring the reasons for the discrepancy in the number of spectral lines observed in these two contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the relationship between temperature and the observed spectral lines, as well as the factors that determine which atomic transitions are possible and observable. There is also curiosity about the mechanism of light production in gas-discharge tubes and the specific colors emitted.

Discussion Status

The conversation is active with participants raising questions about atomic transitions and the conditions under which they are observed. There is an ongoing exploration of concepts without a clear consensus yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the implications of temperature and the nature of atomic transitions in the context of emission spectra, but specific details regarding experimental conditions or definitions are not fully established.

utkarshakash
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Homework Statement


In a lab experiment on emission from atomic hydrogen in a discharge tube only a small number of lines are observed whereas a large number of lines are present in the hydrogen spectrum of a star. Why?

The Attempt at a Solution



I think it is related to temperatue but I don't know why.
 
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The lines come from atomic transitions.
What determines which transitions can happen and which get observed?
 
Simon Bridge said:
The lines come from atomic transitions.
What determines which transitions can happen and which get observed?

The photons
 
The photons come from the transitions - what determines which transitions can happen and which get observed?
Do you know how a gas-discharge tube makes light? Why it is a particular color?
 

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