Emission spectrum

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An emission spectrum is the distribution of electromagnetic radiation emitted by a source across wavelength or frequency. It may contain discrete lines, broad bands, a continuous background, or combinations of these forms.

Hot dense materials can produce nearly continuous thermal spectra, while low-density gases often emit characteristic spectral lines. Molecules may generate bands composed of many closely spaced rotational and vibrational transitions.

Emission spectra arise when excited atoms, ions, molecules, or solids release energy as radiation. The spectrum depends on the source's composition, temperature, density, pressure, and excitation mechanism.

Emission spectroscopy is used to identify substances and study flames, plasmas, lamps, stars, nebulae, planetary atmospheres, chemical reactions, and industrial processes.

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• Source / publisher: Wikipedia
• URL type: WWW
• Credits: Wikipedia
• URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emission_spectrum