Question

which of the following statements regarding absorption and emission spectra is correct?
absorption spectra are observed as discrete lines of color in an otherwise black background.
emission spectra result from electrons being excited from lower to higher energy levels.
absorption and emission spectra are mirror images of each other for a particular chemical species.
absorption and emission spectra only involve the visible region of the emr spectrum.

Explanation:

• For the first option: Absorption spectra show dark lines on a bright continuous background, not colored lines on black (that is emission spectra).
• For the second option: Emission spectra come from electrons falling from higher to lower energy levels (releasing energy), while absorption is electrons being excited to higher levels.
• For the third option: For a given chemical species, the energy absorbed to excite electrons matches the energy released when they relax, so the absorption and emission spectra are mirror images (wavelengths of absorption lines correspond to emission lines, reversed in appearance).
• For the fourth option: These spectra can occur across multiple regions of the electromagnetic spectrum (e.g., infrared, UV), not just visible.

Answer:

C. Absorption and emission spectra are mirror images of each other for a particular chemical species.