What is the Difference Between Absorption Spectrum and Emission Spectrum?

The main difference between an absorption spectrum and an emission spectrum lies in the way they are formed and the information they provide about the substance being studied. Here are the key differences:

Absorption Spectrum:
Formed when light passes through a substance, and some wavelengths are absorbed while others are transmitted.
Characterized by dark-colored lines in the spectrum, representing the wavelengths absorbed by the substance.
Provides information about the energy levels and transitions within the substance.
Emission Spectrum:
Formed when a substance emits light, usually after being energized (e.g., heated or exposed to electric current).
Characterized by bright-colored lines in the spectrum, representing the wavelengths emitted by the substance.
Provides information about the energy levels and states of the substance, as well as the transitions between them.

In summary, an absorption spectrum shows the wavelengths of light absorbed by a substance, while an emission spectrum shows the wavelengths of light emitted by a substance. Both spectra can be used to identify the elements present in a substance and to study their energy levels and transitions.

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What is the Difference Between Absorption Spectrum and Emission Spectrum?

Comparative Table: Absorption Spectrum vs Emission Spectrum

The main difference between absorption and emission spectra lies in the process by which they are produced. Here is a comparison table highlighting the differences between absorption and emission spectra:

Feature	Emission Spectrum	Absorption Spectrum
Formation	Produced when atoms release energy	Produced when atoms absorb energy
Colored Lines	Comprises colored lines in the spectrum	Comprises dark lines or gaps in the spectrum
Wavelengths	Emits specific wavelengths of light	Absorbs specific wavelengths of light
Energy Levels	Electrons move from higher energy levels to lower energy levels	Electrons move from lower energy levels to higher energy levels
Application	Useful in determining the makeup of a particular substance	Useful in identifying each atomic element

In summary, an emission spectrum is formed when an atom emits light at specific wavelengths, while an absorption spectrum is created when an atom absorbs light at specific wavelengths. Both spectra provide valuable information about the interaction of matter with light and can be used to identify the composition of substances and elements.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.