What is the Difference Between Continuous Spectrum and Line Spectrum?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between a continuous spectrum and a line spectrum lies in the distribution of wavelengths of light present in each.
- Continuous Spectrum: A continuous spectrum contains all wavelengths of light in a certain range, producing a smooth, continuous distribution of colors. Hot, dense light sources, like stars, emit a nearly continuous spectrum of light. An example of a continuous spectrum can be seen in the visible light emitted by a blackbody, such as a hot, dense star.
- Line Spectrum: A line spectrum is one that only contains specific wavelengths of light. This type of spectrum is emitted when an atom or molecule transitions between quantized energy levels, and only certain energies are released as light. Line spectra are often observed in atomic and molecular emission spectra, where the discrete energy levels lead to the appearance of sharp, well-defined lines.
In summary, a continuous spectrum includes all wavelengths of light in a certain range, while a line spectrum contains only specific wavelengths of light.
Comparative Table: Continuous Spectrum vs Line Spectrum
Here is a table comparing the differences between continuous spectrum and line spectrum:
Feature | Continuous Spectrum | Line Spectrum |
---|---|---|
Definition | A combination of absorption and emission spectra | Either an absorption or emission spectrum |
Gaps | Contains no observable gaps | Contains huge gaps between lines |
Wavelengths | Contains all wavelengths within a given range | Contains only a few wavelengths within a given range |
Examples | Rainbow and black body radiation | Emission spectrum and absorption spectrum of hydrogen gas |
A continuous spectrum is formed by superimposing both the absorption and emission spectra of a species, resulting in a spectrum with all wavelengths within a given range and no observable gaps. On the other hand, a line spectrum contains only a few wavelengths, with large gaps between lines, and can be either an absorption or emission spectrum. Examples of continuous spectra include rainbows and black body radiation, while line spectra examples include the emission and absorption spectra of hydrogen gas.
- a Continuous Spectrum vs a Bright Line Spectrum
- Continuous vs Discrete Spectrum
- Emission vs Continuous Spectrum
- Bandwidth vs Spectrum
- Absorption Spectrum vs Emission Spectrum
- Prism Spectra vs Grating Spectra
- Action Spectrum vs Absorption Spectrum
- Electromagnetic Radiation vs Electromagnetic Spectrum
- Emission vs Absorption Spectra
- Incandescent vs Fluorescent Light Spectrums
- Wavelength vs Frequency
- Finite vs Continuous Cell Lines
- Line vs Line Segment
- Spectroscopy vs Spectrometry
- Monochromatic Light vs Coherent Light
- Wavelength vs Wavenumber
- Spectrometer vs Spectrophotometer
- LINEs vs SINEs
- Continuous vs Continual