Question:

Scientists can analyze metals using the emission spectrum

Last updated: 8/4/2022

Scientists can analyze metals using the emission spectrum

Scientists can analyze metals using the emission spectrum produced when the sample is introduced into the flame of an emission spectrometer. The flame provides the energy to excite the electrons of the metal atoms to higher energy states. When the electrons return to the ground state, lines of characteristic wavelengths are produced. The lines in the emission spectrum are characteristic of the metal because each atom's ground-state electron configuration is unique. The emission line used for zinc determinations in atomic emission spectroscopy is 214 nm. If there are 9.00x10¹0 atoms of zinc emitting light in the instrument flame at any given instant, what energy (in joules) must the flame continuously supply to achieve this level of emission? Express your answer numerically in joules. During an emission, electrons move from a higher energy orbital to a lower energy orbital. Which of the following are valid transitions that produce lines in the emission spectrum of Zn?