line spectrum

A line spectrum is a way to visualize the specific colors (wavelengths) of light emitted or absorbed by an atom or molecule. When electrons in an atom jump between energy levels, they emit or absorb light at precise energies, resulting in distinct lines of color rather than a continuous spread. This creates a spectrum with individual lines, each corresponding to a particular transition. These unique patterns act like fingerprints for elements, allowing scientists to identify the composition of stars, gases, and other substances based on their spectral lines.