Atomemisszió

Atomemisszió refers to the process by which an atom releases energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation. This occurs when an atom's electrons transition from a higher energy level to a lower one. Electrons in an atom occupy specific energy states, and when an electron absorbs energy, it can jump to a higher energy level, becoming "excited." However, excited states are typically unstable, and the electron will naturally return to a more stable, lower energy state. The excess energy is then emitted as a photon, a particle of light, with an energy corresponding to the difference between the initial and final energy levels.

The energy of the emitted photon, and thus its frequency and wavelength, is characteristic of the specific atom and the energy levels involved in the transition. This unique spectral fingerprint allows for the identification of elements, forming the basis of techniques like atomic emission spectroscopy. Different elements emit light at distinct wavelengths, creating unique patterns when analyzed by a spectroscope. This phenomenon is fundamental to understanding atomic structure and is observed in various natural processes, such as the light emitted by stars and the operation of fluorescent lamps.