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 emitted by an element is separated into its different component wavelengths.
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 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.
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.
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

Explanation:

• First statement: An atomic emission spectrum is indeed formed by separating the emitted light of an element into its component wavelengths. This is a fundamental concept in spectroscopy.
• Second statement: Atomic emission spectra occur when elements are in the gas state, not the solid state. In the solid state, the atoms are too closely packed and interact in a way that doesn't allow for the typical emission spectrum formation as described.
• Third statement: An emission spectrum is about emitted light, not absorbed light. Absorption spectra are for absorbed light.
• Fourth statement: Each element has a unique atomic emission spectrum composed of a limited number of narrow - line emissions. This is due to the quantized energy levels of electrons in atoms.
• Fifth statement: As mentioned above, atomic emission spectra occur for elements in the gas state. When an element in the gas state absorbs energy, electrons get excited and then emit light corresponding to specific electron energy transitions.
• Sixth statement: The light emitted by an element has a limited number of narrow - line emissions, creating a unique pattern (spectrum) for that element, not an unlimited number of patterns.

Answer:

• An atomic emission spectrum shows the pattern formed when light emitted 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.
• 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.