Exit Check 8.5: Spectroscopy

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What is spectroscopy?

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Spectroscopy is the study of the interaction between matter and electromagnetic radiation, used to identify materials based on their spectral characteristics.

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What is a spectrum?

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A spectrum is a range of different colors or wavelengths of light emitted or absorbed by a substance, often visualized as a graph.

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What does it mean when a gas emits visible light?

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When a gas emits visible light, it indicates that the gas is being energized, causing its atoms to transition to higher energy states and then release energy in the form of light as they return to lower energy states.

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How can we identify an unknown gas using its spectrum?

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By comparing the emitted spectrum of the unknown gas to known spectra of various gases, we can identify the gas based on the unique lines or patterns in its spectrum.

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What is the significance of emission lines in a spectrum?

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Emission lines are specific wavelengths of light emitted by atoms or molecules, which correspond to the energy differences between electron energy levels, allowing for identification of elements.

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What is the difference between older and younger stars in terms of element fusion?

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Older stars have been fusing elements longer and have depleted their hydrogen, allowing them to fuse heavier elements, while younger stars primarily fuse hydrogen.

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What is the role of temperature in spectroscopy?

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Temperature affects the energy levels of atoms; higher temperatures can lead to more energetic transitions and a broader spectrum of emitted light.

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What is the relationship between wavelength and energy?

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The energy of a photon is inversely proportional to its wavelength; shorter wavelengths (like ultraviolet) have higher energy than longer wavelengths (like infrared).

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What is a continuous spectrum?

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A continuous spectrum is produced by a solid, liquid, or densely packed gas, showing a complete range of wavelengths without any gaps.

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What is a line spectrum?

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A line spectrum consists of distinct lines at specific wavelengths, representing the emission or absorption of light by individual atoms or molecules.