What is the spectra/spectrum (?) of the following gases?
-helium
-hydrogen
neon
-nitrogen
I'm not understanding this chapter really well. I have to research this stuff online but I don't really understand what I'm supposed to be looking for.
http://jersey.uoregon.edu/vlab/elements/Elements.html
The spectrum of an element consists of a series of wavelengths (colors in the visible spectrum but there are wavelengths in the ultraviolet and infrared regions, also) that are emitted by the excited atom(s) of the element. In practice, the wavelengths are sent through an instrument, usually a spectrograph, that separates the wavelengths from each other. A photograph can be taken and the wavelength of each color can be measured. Identification of the wavelengths allows one to compare with known spectra and identify the element. What you need to find on the Internet is a spectrum of each of the elements in the question. He, H2, N2, and Ne are gases and the spectrum of each is relatively simple. This sites may help for hydrogen. I obtained it by going to www.google.com and typing in spectrum hydrogen picture.
http://images.google.com/images?q=spectrum+hydrogen+picture&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=xr_4SoS0AouWtgeS-oyhCw&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CBAQsAQwAA
Thank you! But would I use emission or absorption?
The problem you posted doesn't say. If the original problem (the one from which you obtained your question) doesn't say, it doesn't matter. The only difference is that the emission spectrum is a photograph (negative) of dark lines against a white background. The absorption spectrum is a photograph (negative) of white lines against a black background. The wavelength of the black line of the emission spectrum is the same as the white line of the absorption spectrum.
No problem! I'm here to help you out. The term you're referring to is "spectrum." The spectrum of a gas refers to the range of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation that the gas can absorb, emit, or transmit.
To research the spectra of the gases you mentioned, you can follow these steps:
1. Start by searching for each gas individually. For example, search for "helium spectrum," "hydrogen spectrum," "neon spectrum," and "nitrogen spectrum" on a reliable search engine.
2. Look for reputable sources such as scientific articles, educational websites, or resources from reputable scientific organizations like NASA or National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). These sources will provide accurate information about the spectra of different gases.
3. The spectra of each gas will typically be presented as a graph or a table. The graph will show the intensity of light plotted against the wavelength or frequency of the light. The table may contain the specific wavelengths or frequencies at which the gas absorbs, emits, or transmits light.
4. Pay attention to the different parts of the spectrum. There are generally three types of spectra: continuous, emission, and absorption. Continuous spectrum refers to a wide range of continuous wavelengths of light, emission spectrum shows the specific wavelengths of light emitted by a gas, and absorption spectrum represents the specific wavelengths of light absorbed by a gas.
5. Take note of any characteristic wavelengths or frequency ranges associated with each gas. These unique patterns help identify and distinguish different gases based on their spectra.
By following these steps, you should be able to find information and understand the spectra of helium, hydrogen, neon, and nitrogen gases. Don't hesitate to ask if you have any further questions!