Which of the following gives rise to the line... | WAEC SSCE - Physics - 1992 (Objective)

Question 1 Report

Which of the following gives rise to the line spectra obtained from atoms?

Kinetic energy of a moving atom

Potential energy of an electron inside an atom

Change of an electron from a higher to a lower energy level in the atom

Disturbed proton in the nucleus

Excitation of an electron in the atom

Answer Details

The correct option is "Change of an electron from a higher to a lower energy level in the atom". Line spectra are the unique set of wavelengths of light that are emitted when electrons in an atom transition from a higher energy level to a lower energy level. When an electron absorbs a photon, it jumps to a higher energy level, and when it releases a photon, it jumps to a lower energy level. Since electrons can only exist in specific energy levels in an atom, each transition between these levels results in the emission of a photon of a specific wavelength. This gives rise to the characteristic line spectra that can be observed in experiments. The other options listed do not accurately describe the phenomenon of line spectra.

Read lesson note on Structure Of The Atom (Nigeria Only) (WAEC)

Structure Of The Atom (Nigeria Only)

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Which of the following gives rise to the line spectra obtained from atoms?

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