Continuous emission spectra

1. Definition and Key Concepts

• A spectrum is the pattern formed when light is split into its component frequencies.
• White light produces a continuous spectrum when passed through a prism or diffraction grating.
• Light waves of different frequencies are bent by different amounts, forming a range of colours.

2. Characteristics of Continuous Emission Spectra

• Produced by hot, dense objects, such as the sun or incandescent bulbs.
• No gaps in the spectrum—colours blend smoothly from red to violet.
• The intensity varies across the spectrum but all visible wavelengths are present.

4. Key Takeaways

• A continuous spectrum contains all wavelengths without gaps.
• Prisms and spectroscopes are used to observe spectra.
• Found in natural phenomena like rainbows and in artificial sources like incandescent bulbs.