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What are the differences between emission spectrum and absorption spectrum?
Posted September 1, 2022

Answer
Basis of differentiationEmission spectrumAbsorption spectrum
DefinitionIs a spectrum of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by a substance Is a spectrum obtained by transmitting electromagnetic radiation through a substance
Production conditions/ Energy consumptionProduced when excited atoms release energy and obtain a lower energy levelProduced when atoms absorb energy and obtain a higher energy level
ResultShows different colored lines in the spectrumShows dark lines or gaps in the spectrum
Emission/Absorption of wavelengthsAccount for wavelengths emitted by a substanceAccount for wavelengths absorbed by a substance
ApplicationIs used to determine the composition of a certain substance as every element in the substance has a different emission level and radiates different amounts of energyIs used to determine the number of substances in a sample and also to determine ability of a certain object to retain heat and its absorption level