LINE SPECTRUM Meaning and
Definition
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A line spectrum refers to the discrete and distinctive pattern of colors or wavelengths that are observed when an electromagnetic radiation is split using a prism or a diffraction grating. It is characterized by a series of individual and separated spectral lines without any blending or filling of colors in between. Each line in the spectrum represents a specific wavelength or frequency of light emitted or absorbed by an atom, molecule, or other luminous object.
The line spectrum is a result of the quantized energy levels of the emitting or absorbing species, which can be excited or de-excited by gaining or losing energy. When an atom or molecule is excited, such as by heating or by passing an electric current through a gas, it absorbs energy and undergoes electronic transitions between different levels. As the atom or molecule returns to a lower energy state, it emits energy in the form of light of specific wavelengths.
The line spectrum is highly characteristic of the element or substance emitting or absorbing the light, serving as a fingerprint to identify and quantify its presence. It allows scientists to analyze and identify the composition of various substances, such as stars, gases, or even the light emitted by different types of lamps or lasers. The distinct lines in the spectrum correspond to specific electronic transitions within the atom or molecule, providing information about its energy structure and enabling the study of fundamental atomic or molecular properties.
Common Misspellings for LINE SPECTRUM
- kine spectrum
- pine spectrum
- oine spectrum
- lune spectrum
- ljne spectrum
- lkne spectrum
- lone spectrum
- l9ne spectrum
- l8ne spectrum
- libe spectrum
- lime spectrum
- lije spectrum
- lihe spectrum
- linw spectrum
- lins spectrum
- lind spectrum
- linr spectrum
- lin4 spectrum
- lin3 spectrum
Etymology of LINE SPECTRUM
The word "line spectrum" has its etymology rooted in Latin and Greek.
The term "spectrum" comes from the Latin word "spectrum" which means "appearance" or "image". It was used in the context of optics and light to describe the range of colors that can be seen when light is dispersed. The Latin word itself was derived from the Greek word "spectron" which also meant "an appearance" or "a vision".
The word "line" comes from the Middle English word "line", which originally derived from the Latin word "linea" meaning "a string" or "a thread". The Latin word, in turn, came from the earlier Greek word "linon" meaning "flax", which was used to make strings or threads.
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