Atomic spectra are the patterns of light that are produced when an atom is excited, or when its electrons jump from one energy level to another. There are three main types of atomic spectra: continuous spectra, emission spectra, and absorption spectra.
- The Balmer series is a type of emission spectrum that is produced when the electrons in hydrogen atoms jump from higher energy levels down to the second energy level. This produces a series of lines of different colors, such as red, blue, and green.
- The Lyman series is another type of emission spectrum that is produced when the electrons in hydrogen atoms jump down to the first energy level. This produces a series of lines in the ultraviolet part of the spectrum.
- The Paschen series is a type of emission spectrum that is produced when the electrons in hydrogen atoms jump down to the third energy level. This produces a series of lines in the infrared part of the spectrum.
Each of these series is characterized by a specific set of lines at different wavelengths, which can be used to identify the element that is producing the spectrum.