MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #943

A student observes a bright line spectrum from a gas discharge tube. What causes the discrete lines in the spectrum?

MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #943

  1. Question 1

    Q1. A student observes a bright line spectrum from a gas discharge tube. What causes the discrete lines in the spectrum?

    • A) Random electron collisions in the gas
    • B) Fixed energy differences between atomic energy levels
    • C) Thermal expansion of the gas molecules
    • D) Refraction of light in the glass tube

    Answer: Fixed energy differences between atomic energy levels

    Explanation: Discrete lines arise from quantized energy transitions. Random collisions do not produce distinct spectral lines.