Chapter 5.2, Problem 15SSC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason as to why atomic emission spectra contain only certain frequencies of light is to be explained.

Concept introduction:

The postulates of Bohr’s atomic model are written below.

• In an atom, the electron revolves around the nucleus. The electron is negatively charged and the nucleus is positively charged.
• Electron revolves around the nucleus in a fixed circular path having fixed energy. These circular paths are termed as orbital shells.
• The integers $\left(n=1,2,\mathrm{3....}\right)$ are termed as quantum numbers which represent the energy level. Here, $n=1$ is the lowest energy level.
• The electron moves from lower to higher energy level by gaining energy and when this electron returns to lower energy level, it releases the same amount of energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation.

Answer to Problem 15SSC

The atomic emission spectra contain only certain frequencies of light because atom emits electromagnetic radiation of certain frequencies.

Explanation of Solution

According to Bohr’s atomic model, an electron moves from one energy level to another energy level by either gaining or emitting a certain amount of energy. The spectra of frequencies of electromagnetic radiation emitted by an atom are termed as atomic emission spectra. An atom emits electromagnetic radiation when its electron moves from a higher energy level to lower energy level.

The atomic emission spectra contain only certain frequencies of light because atom emits electromagnetic radiation of certain frequencies.

Conclusion

The atomic emission spectra contain only certain frequencies of light because atom emits electromagnetic radiation of certain frequencies.