Chapter 27, Problem 22Q

To determine

The multiple lines of spectrum of hydrogen

Answer to Problem 22Q

Solution:

Because of its multiple excited states it has more than one line in its spectrum.

Explanation of Solution

This is due to the hydrogen electron making transitions between the various energy levels in an atom [Hydrogen gas contains a large number of molecules when it is heated to a high temperature or an electric discharge is passed, hydrogen molecules split into atoms]. The electron in different hydrogen atoms absorb different amount of energies and are fall from a higher energy state to a lower energy state(or)vice versa emitting or absorbing wavelengths of different magnitude which fall directly on the spectrum of hydrogen and thereby releasing colors of various wavelengths and creating a continuous spectrum.