spectral line
Wavelength absorption signature
A spectral line is a distinct wavelength of light that appears as a bright or dark band in a spectrum.
When atoms emit or absorb energy, they do so at specific wavelengths characteristic of each element—hydrogen produces different lines than helium or sodium.
Bright emission lines indicate light being released; dark absorption lines show light being blocked.
Scientists use spectral lines to identify the chemical composition of stars, gases, and other materials from a distance.
Amount of vitality available
- quantum stateSubatomic system's complete description
- ground stateLowest possible energy configuration
- excited stateElevated energy configuration
- orbitalRevolving around another
quantization · selection rules · energy gap · quantum jump · excitation · angular momentum · spin · hyperfine structure
Light emitted after absorption
- luminescenceHeatless light emission
- photonElectromagnetic radiation unit
- arc lampElectric discharge illuminator
- plasmaElectrified matter state
Wavelength stretch from recession
- blueshiftLight compressed by approach
- Doppler shiftFrequency change from movement
- Balmer seriesHydrogen's visible emission lines
- quasarLuminous active galactic core
Metric unit, billion-fold smaller
- angstromSubatomic length unit
- frequencyRate of recurrence
- infraredHeat-bearing electromagnetic waves
- ultravioletWavelengths shorter than violet
Dark spectral absorption features
- chromophoreMolecule's tint-causing portion
- opacityImpermeability to light
- transmittanceFraction not absorbed
- absorbanceLight uptake measurement
Beer-Lambert law · attenuation · molar absorptivity · analyte · concentration · filter
energy level
Amount of vitality available
- quantum stateSubatomic system's complete description
- ground stateLowest possible energy configuration
- excited stateElevated energy configuration
orbital · quantization · selection rules · energy gap · quantum jump · excitation · angular momentum · spin · hyperfine structure · degeneracy
fluorescence
Light emitted after absorption
- luminescenceHeatless light emission
- photonElectromagnetic radiation unit
- arc lampElectric discharge illuminator
plasma · corona · radiance · atomic emission
redshift
Wavelength stretch from recession
- blueshiftLight compressed by approach
- Doppler shiftFrequency change from movement
- Balmer seriesHydrogen's visible emission lines
nanometer
Metric unit, billion-fold smaller
Fraunhofer lines
Dark spectral absorption features
- chromophoreMolecule's tint-causing portion
- opacityImpermeability to light
- transmittanceFraction not absorbed
absorbance · Beer-Lambert law · attenuation · molar absorptivity · analyte · concentration · filter
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