How do element “lamps” allow us to observe multiple electron transitions?
Friday, June 13th, 2008caulfield789 asked:
The way that chemistry students are usually introduced to the concept of atomic spectra is through a discussion of element “lamps” - like the helium lamp or the hydrogen lamp. (Consider, for example, the images at http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/quantum/atspect.html.) I do not understand why splitting the light emitted from these lamps (by using, say, a prism) allows us to see a myriad of colors as opposed to just one color. How do these element lamps energize the electrons in such a way that we see wavelengths of light corresponding to multiple electron transitions instead of just one? (When one conducts a flame test for metallic ions, for example, one sees only a single color, not multiple ones…unless I’ve got it all wrong.)
Christian
The way that chemistry students are usually introduced to the concept of atomic spectra is through a discussion of element “lamps” - like the helium lamp or the hydrogen lamp. (Consider, for example, the images at http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/quantum/atspect.html.) I do not understand why splitting the light emitted from these lamps (by using, say, a prism) allows us to see a myriad of colors as opposed to just one color. How do these element lamps energize the electrons in such a way that we see wavelengths of light corresponding to multiple electron transitions instead of just one? (When one conducts a flame test for metallic ions, for example, one sees only a single color, not multiple ones…unless I’ve got it all wrong.)
Christian
