Difference Between Emission And Absorption Spectra

The emission and absorption spectra difference is provided here. These two topics are one of the most interesting concepts in Physics. Learn their differences in detail, given in the table provided below.

Difference Between Emission And Absorption Spectra

What is an Emission Spectrum?

When energy is absorbed by electrons of an atom, electrons move from lower energy levels to higher energy levels. These excited electrons have to radiate energy to return to ground states from the excited state, which is unstable. The emission spectrum is formed by the frequencies of this emitted light.

What is the Absorption Spectrum?

On the other hand, an absorption spectrum is constituted by the frequencies of light transmitted with dark bands when energy is absorbed by the electrons in the ground state to reach higher energy states.

 Emission Spectra VS Absorption Spectra

The main difference between emission and absorption spectra is that an emission spectrum has different coloured lines in the spectrum, whereas an absorption spectrum has dark-coloured lines in the spectrum. More differences between absorption and emission spectrum are given below in a tabular column.

Emission Spectra Absorption Spectra
Produced when atoms release energy Produced when atoms absorb energy
Comprise coloured lines in the spectrum Comprise dark lines or gaps in the spectrum
It is helpful in figuring out the composition of a certain matter Can be used to figure out the ability of certain objects to retain heat and its absorption level
The type of photons emitted is helpful in figuring out the kind of elements the substance is made of as each element radiates a different amount of energy and has a unique emission level The wavelengths of light absorbed is helpful in figuring out the number of substances in the sample

Emission spectra can emit all the colours in an electromagnetic spectrum, while the absorption spectrum can have a few colours missing due to the redirection of absorbed photons.

Read More: Emission Spectrum

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Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

Q1

What is the emission spectrum?

When energy is absorbed by electrons of an atom, electrons move from lower energy levels to higher energy levels. These excited electrons have to radiate energy to return to ground states from the excited state, which is unstable. The emission spectrum is formed by the frequencies of this emitted light.
Q2

What is the absorption spectrum?

An absorption spectrum is constituted by the frequencies of light transmitted with dark bands when energy is absorbed by the electrons in the ground state to reach higher energy states.
Q3

How does electromagnetic radiation occur?

Electromagnetic radiation occurs when an atomic particle, like an electron, is accelerated by an electric field, causing it to accelerate.
Q4

What is the electromagnetic spectrum?

The electromagnetic spectrum is the range of frequencies of EM radiations along with their associated wavelengths and photon energies. It consists of Gamma-rays, X-rays, ultraviolet rays, infrared rays, radio waves and microwaves. Electromagnetic radiations have a wide range of frequencies, wavelengths and photon energy levels. These waves travel at the speed of light in a vacuum.
Q5

Define wavelength.

Wavelength (λ) is the distance between successive crests of a wave, especially points in an electromagnetic wave or sound wave.

To know more differences like the difference between RTD and thermocouple, visit BYJU’S.

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