Emission lines and absorption lines

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SUMMARY

Emission lines are more frequently observed than absorption lines in atomic spectra due to the conditions under which these spectra are generated. In laboratory settings, emission spectra can be produced by exciting gas atoms, while absorption spectra require a significant light path through a gas to measure the absorbed frequencies effectively. The volume of gas and the state of matter (gas, solid, or liquid) also influence the observation of these spectra. Additionally, astronomical spectroscopy presents unique challenges that differ from laboratory conditions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of atomic spectra and their components
  • Knowledge of laboratory techniques for generating emission spectra
  • Familiarity with methods for measuring absorption spectra
  • Basic principles of spectroscopy in different states of matter
NEXT STEPS
  • Research methods for generating emission spectra in laboratory settings
  • Learn about the measurement techniques for absorption spectra
  • Explore the impact of gas volume on absorption line visibility
  • Investigate the differences in spectroscopy between laboratory and astronomical contexts
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics or chemistry, researchers in spectroscopy, and professionals involved in laboratory experiments or astronomical observations will benefit from this discussion.

Sweetyme123
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Why more emission lines than absorption lines are usually observed in the atomic spectra of most elements hence explain why this occures?
 
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Hi Sweetyme123, is this a homework question?
 
Sweetyme123 said:
Why more emission lines than absorption lines are usually observed in the atomic spectra of most elements hence explain why this occures?
Ask yourself (or find out) how an emission spectrum can be generated in a Lab. Find out how absorption spectrum can be observed or measured. Then think in practical terms.
If you want to obtain the (line) absorption spectrum of a gas then how long a light path through a gas is needed before a significant proportion of the light is absorbed at the frequencies of interest. Where do we find large enough volumes of gas to obtain absorption spectra? Its this different for solids and liquids and in what way?
The expression "swings and roundabouts" seems to apply here. Plenty to discuss and to read around about.
PS There are different circumstances in astronomical spectroscopy, which make things different from how they are in a Lab.
 

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