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Atomic emission spectroscopy
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The emission spectrum generated by a particular element is unique to that element and can be used in forensic investigations to identify the element present. The emission spectra of some elements are shown below.
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| The animation below shows how an emission spectrum is generated. The hydrogen atom is used as an example. When heat is applied to the atom the electron or electrons as is the case in other atoms, absorbs the energy and is promoted to a higher energy level. The electron can not remain for any length of time in the higher energy level and it returns to its original energy level giving up the energy it absorbed in the form of light. | ||||||||||||
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