What is the Difference Between Absorption Spectrum and Emission Spectrum?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚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.
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.
- Emission vs Absorption Spectra
- Action Spectrum vs Absorption Spectrum
- Atomic Absorption vs Atomic Emission
- Emission vs Continuous Spectrum
- Flame Emission Spectroscopy vs Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy
- Absorptance vs Absorbance
- Absorbance vs Transmittance
- Absorbance vs Fluorescence
- Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy vs UV Visible Spectroscopy
- Excitation vs Absorption
- Electromagnetic Radiation vs Electromagnetic Spectrum
- Emission vs Radiation
- Continuous Spectrum vs Line Spectrum
- Optical Density vs Absorbance
- Hydrogen vs Helium Emission Spectra
- Absorption vs Adsorption
- a Continuous Spectrum vs a Bright Line Spectrum
- Prism Spectra vs Grating Spectra
- Absorptivity vs Molar Absorptivity