Connect emitted photons with electron transitions, distinguish line and continuous spectra, and compare wavelength, frequency and energy across the electromagnetic spectrum.
Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Course
Chemistry SL
Level
SL
Exam points
Explain how excited electrons produce emission lines and distinguish emission, absorption, line and continuous spectra.
Relate wavelength, frequency and photon energy, then classify radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum.
Use emission colours and spectral lines to identify elements or explain observed colours in flames and astronomical spectra.
Lithium and boron are elements in period 2 of the periodic table. Lithium occurs in group 1 (the alkali metals) and boron occurs in group 3. Isotopes exist for both elements.
Every element has its own unique line emission spectrum.
Distinguish between a continuous spectrum and a line spectrum.
Continuous spectrum: radiation spread over all wavelengths/frequencies/ energies/colours / OWTTE; Line spectrum: radiation (absorbed/emitted) at certain/specific wavelengths/ frequencies/energies/colours / OWTTE;
Marking guidance:
Allow series of (separate/discrete) lines which converge/get closer together at high energy / OWTTE