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High energy sparks discharged through hydrogen produce hydrogen atoms in an excited state - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 7 - 2002 - Paper 1
Question 7
High energy sparks discharged through hydrogen produce hydrogen atoms in an excited state. Light is then emitted. If the light is viewed through a spectroscope, line... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:High energy sparks discharged through hydrogen produce hydrogen atoms in an excited state - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 7 - 2002 - Paper 1
Step 1
Explain why the spectrum is made up of discrete lines.
Answer
The spectrum is made up of discrete lines because electrons in hydrogen atoms can only occupy specific energy levels. When these electrons are excited and transition from a higher energy level to a lower one, they emit light at specific wavelengths. These wavelengths correspond to the energy differences between the levels, resulting in an emission spectrum that consists of distinct lines rather than a continuous range of colors.
Step 2
Explain why the wavelengths of these dark lines correspond to those of the emission spectrum.
Answer
The dark lines observed in the spectrum correspond to wavelengths where light is absorbed by hydrogen atoms. When white light passes through a hydrogen gas, certain wavelengths are absorbed as electrons move from lower energy levels to higher ones. This results in an absorption spectrum. The specific wavelengths of the dark lines match the emission lines of hydrogen, as they represent the same transitions but in the opposite direction. The spectrum producing the dark lines is called an absorption spectrum.
Step 3
Write an equation for the nuclear fusion of hydrogen to form helium in the sun.
Answer
The nuclear fusion of hydrogen to form helium in the sun can be represented by the following equation:
ightarrow ext{He} + 2 ext{e}^- + 2 ext{e}^+ + ext{energy} $$ This equation illustrates that four hydrogen nuclei (protons) fuse to form one helium nucleus along with positrons and neutrinos, releasing energy in the process.