Chapter 11, Problem 9A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Whether colors shown in the flame is by absorbing of energy or releasing of energy needs to be determined.

Concept interpretation: The color of light emitted depends on the energy emitted by each electron which returns to its original orbital.

Answer to Problem 9A

The colors observed during the flame test are resulted from the exciting electrons which are caused by increase in temperature. Depending upon the energy released the atoms shows different color.

Explanation of Solution

This is due to the absorption of energy by ground state electron. The electrons in ground states have lower energy and jumps to the higher energy orbital. The color emitted depends on the energy emitted by each electron returning to its original state. The regions having similar energy will create continuous band of color.

Conclusion

Hence, the color appears by electron releasing energy while they returning to its original state.