The specific colors of light emitted by an atom in a hot,thin gas (e.g. ,in a tube in a laboratory or a gas cloud in space)are caused by
A) the vibrations of the electrons within the atom.
B) an electron dropping into the nucleus and causing changes in the energy of the nucleus.
C) electrons jumping to lower energy levels,losing energy as they do so.
D) protons jumping from level to level.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The specific colors of light emitted by an atom in a hot, thin gas are caused by electrons jumping to lower energy levels, losing energy as they do so. When electrons move from a higher energy level to a lower energy level, they release energy in the form of photons, which have a specific color based on their energy level. This is known as emission spectroscopy, and it is used to identify the composition of gases in the laboratory and in space. The other choices are incorrect because vibrations of electrons (A) do not cause emission of specific colors of light, electrons dropping into the nucleus (B) is not energetically favorable, and protons (D) are not involved in the emission of light from atoms.

The Specific Colors of Light Emitted by an Atom in a Hot,thin