Absorption spectra
When photons of light pass through a gas, the photons with the same energy as the energy gaps in the atoms can be absorbed. This causes an absorption spectra, as shown below.
Because the energy levels are the same, the lines in the emission spectra of an element are in the same position as the lines in the absorption spectra of the same element, as shown below.
Although sunlight appears to be a full continuous spectrum when viewed with a spectroscope, more detailed observation shows black narrow lines.
These 'Fraunhofer' lines are due to the absorption of light of specific frequencies by the gases in the upper atmosphere of the sun.
Question
Which of the following statements are true?
\(1\). Line spectra are produced when electrons move from one energy level within an atom to another energy level.
\(2\). The energy levels in the atom have definite values.
\(3\). Line spectra are produced when atoms lose electrons.
Line spectra are produced when electrons move from one definite energy level inside an atom to another, so statements \(1\) and \(2\) are correct.
When atoms lose electrons they are moving to the ionisation level and so do not produce line spectra. Statement \(3\) is false.