A sodium lamp emits yellow-coloured light - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 18 - 2007 - Paper 1
Question 18
A sodium lamp emits yellow-coloured light. If the light from the lamp was passed through a container of sodium vapour, it is likely that the light emerging from the ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A sodium lamp emits yellow-coloured light - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 18 - 2007 - Paper 1
Step 1
C. duller, due to electrons in atoms in the sodium vapour moving from higher to lower energy levels.
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Answer
When light passes through sodium vapour, some photons can be absorbed by the electrons in sodium atoms, exciting them to higher energy levels. When these electrons drop back to their original levels, they emit light. However, this process can lead to a reduction in the intensity of the transmitted light, resulting in a duller appearance. Therefore, the correct choice is C.