Which type of spectrum is characterized by bright lines on a dark background?

A line spectrum is characterized by bright lines on a dark background. This phenomenon occurs when atoms or molecules emit light at specific wavelengths. When these wavelengths are separated using a prism or diffraction grating, the result is a series of discrete lines, each corresponding to a particular energy transition within the atom.

In a line spectrum, these bright lines represent the wavelengths of light emitted by the element when its electrons fall from higher energy levels to lower ones. The darkness of the background contrasts sharply with the bright lines, making it easy to identify specific elements based on their unique spectral lines. Each element has a distinct pattern of lines that can be used for identification, which is the basis of many applications in physics and chemistry, such as spectroscopy.

In contrast, other types of spectra do not have this specific feature. A continuous spectrum features a seamless range of colors without any gaps, while an absorption spectrum appears as dark lines superimposed on a continuous spectrum, representing the wavelengths of light absorbed by an atom. An emission spectrum, while it may seem similar, refers generally to spectra that show emitted light but is not typically phrased to highlight the clearly visible bright lines, as it could include a range of emissions across different wavelengths. Therefore, the defining characteristic of sharp