Question

which of the following statements about the properties of elements related to an atomic emission spectrum are true? select all that apply

an atomic emission spectrum shows the pattern formed when light absorbed by an element is separated into its different component wavelengths.

the light that an element emits is made up of a limited number of narrow lines of light that produce a unique pattern or atomic emissions spectrum for that element.

the light that an element emits is made up of an unlimited number of narrow lines of light that produce several different patterns or atomic emissions spectra for each element.

an atomic emission spectrum occurs when an element in the gas state absorbs energy, and emits light which corresponds to the energies of specific electrons.

an atomic emission spectrum occurs when an element in the solid state absorbs energy, and emits light which corresponds to the energies of specific electrons.

an atomic emission spectrum shows the pattern formed when light emitted by an element is separated into its different component wavelengths

Explanation:

• First statement: An atomic emission spectrum is about light emitted, not absorbed. So this is false.
• Second statement: When an element emits light (in gas state, electrons get excited and then fall back, emitting light of specific wavelengths), it forms a limited number of narrow lines (unique for each element). This is true.
• Third statement: The number of lines in an atomic emission spectrum is limited (based on electron energy levels), not unlimited. So this is false.
• Fourth statement: Atomic emission spectra occur when elements are in the gas state (electrons can move more freely to get excited and de - excite). This is true.
• Fifth statement: Atomic emission spectra occur in the gas state, not the solid state (in solid state, electron movement is more restricted for this kind of emission). So this is false.
• Sixth statement: An atomic emission spectrum is indeed the pattern formed when the emitted light (of an element) is separated into its component wavelengths. This is true.

Answer:

B. The light that an element emits is made up of a limited number of narrow lines of light that produce a unique pattern or atomic emissions spectrum for that element.
D. An atomic emission spectrum occurs when an element in the gas state absorbs energy, and emits light which corresponds to the energies of specific electrons.
F. An atomic emission spectrum shows the pattern formed when light emitted by an element is separated into its different component wavelengths.