Question

What causes spectral lines?

(a) The transition of electrons between two energy levels

(b) The transition of electrons between two wavelength ranges

(c) Magnetic and electric field exiting in an atom

(d) The transition of electrons from electric to magnetic field

This question was addressed to me in final exam.

My query is from The Line Spectra of the Hydrogen Atom in section Atoms of Physics – Class 12

Answer 1

Right choice is (a) The transition of electrons between two energy levels

To elaborate: The observed spectral lines are caused by the transition of electrons between two energy levels in an atom. The emission spectrum of the hydrogen atom is divided into many spectral series, with wavelengths that are given by Rydberg’s formula.