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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 transition between fixed energy levels when they absorb or release energy. Each transition corresponds to a specific wavelength of light, resulting in distinct lines on the spectrum. These lines are determined by the energy differences between the quantized energy levels of the hydrogen atom, leading to a line emission spectrum.
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 specific wavelengths where light has been absorbed by hydrogen atoms. This type of spectrum is known as an absorption spectrum. When white light passes through hydrogen gas, electrons absorb specific wavelengths of light to move from a lower energy level to a higher one, creating dark lines at those wavelengths in the continuous 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 can be represented by the equation:
ightarrow ext{He} + 2e^- + ext{energy}$$ This reaction occurs in several steps, but the overall process involves two hydrogen nuclei fusing to form a helium nucleus while releasing energy in the form of light and heat.