Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Energy levels in atoms and line spectra

Energy levels in atoms and line spectra — practice question

A beam of light is made up of a continuous spread of wavelengths between $420\,\text{nm}$ and $740\,\text{nm}$. It then passes through a cloud of cool gas, as shown in Fig. 11.1.
(a)[4]

The spectrum of the light leaving the cloud of cool gas is observed with a diffraction grating. Explain why this spectrum has several dark lines.

(b(i))[2]

Light with wavelength $420\,\text{nm}$ has a photon energy of $2.96\,\text{eV}$. Calculate the photon energy, in $\text{eV}$, for light with wavelength $740\,\text{nm}$.

(b(ii))[2]

Use the data from (i) together with your answer in (i) to show, on Fig. 11.2, the changes in energy levels that produce the dark lines in (a).

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 8-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: photons are absorbed by electrons

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