Spectral lines take the shape of vertical lines because
A)the light is vertically polarized.
B)they are simply images of a vertical slit.
C)the energy levels in the atom are parallel to one another.
D)all of these
E)none of these

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Spectral lines are created when light passes through a narrow slit and is then separated into different colors by a prism or diffraction grating. Each color corresponds to a specific wavelength or frequency of light. Because the slit is vertical, the lines produced are also vertical. The polarization or energy levels of the atom do not directly affect the shape of the spectral lines.

Spectral Lines Take the Shape of Vertical Lines Because