Question

periodic table
which of the following statements about the properties of elements related to an atomic emission spectrum are true? select all that apply.
a. an atomic emission spectrum occurs when an element in the gas state absorbs energy, and emits light which corresponds to the energies of specific electron transitions.
b. 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.
c. 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 emission spectrum, for that element.
d. 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 emission spectra, for each element.
e. an atomic emission spectrum shows the pattern formed when light absorbed by an element is separated into its different component wavelengths.
f. an atomic emission spectrum shows the pattern formed when light emitted by an element is separated into its different component wavelengths.

Explanation:

• Option A: Atomic emission spectra occur in the gas state. When electrons transition (absorb energy then emit), light corresponding to specific electron - transition energies is released.
• Option C: Each element has a unique atomic emission spectrum with a limited number of lines (due to quantized energy levels of electrons).
• Option F: The atomic emission spectrum is formed by separating the light emitted by an element (not absorbed as in option E) into its component wavelengths.

• Option B: Atomic emission spectra are not typically observed in the solid state as the close - packed structure of solids affects electron behavior differently compared to the gas state.
• Option D: Each element has a unique (not several different) atomic emission spectrum with a limited number of lines (not unlimited) based on its electron configuration.
• Option E: The atomic emission spectrum is about emitted light, not absorbed light. Absorption spectra are related to absorbed light.

Answer:

A. An atomic emission spectrum occurs when an element in the gas state absorbs energy, and emits light which corresponds to the energies of specific electron transitions.
C. 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 emission spectrum, for that element.
F. An atomic emission spectrum shows the pattern formed when light emitted by an element is separated into its different component wavelengths.