![]() Radiation can be analyzed with an instrument known as a spectroscope. ![]() Because spectra are so important, let's examine in more detail how astronomers obtain and interpret them. Far from invalidating our earlier studies, however, these deviations contain a wealth of detailed information about physical conditions in the source of the radiation. 3.4) All spectra deviate from this idealized formsome by only a little, others by a lot. But in reality, no cosmic object emits a perfect blackbody spectrum like those discussed earlier. A vital step in this process is the formation of a spectrumsplitting the incoming radiation into its component wavelengths. Image Courtesy:ġ.In Chapter 3 we saw something of how astronomers can analyze electromagnetic radiation received from space to obtain information about distant objects. “Continuous Spectrum Example.” Continuous Spectrum, 8 Oct. The key difference between continuous and discrete spectrum is that a continuous spectrum does not have any discrete lines, whereas a discrete spectrum contains only the discrete lines. Summary – Continuous vs Discrete SpectrumĬontinuous spectrum and discrete spectrum are usually considered the opposite of each other. The below infographic shows the differences between continuous and discrete spectrum in tabular form. Moreover, a spectrum of a glowing object is an example of a continuous spectrum while the absorption or emission spectrum of isolated atoms of a chemical element is an example of a discrete spectrum. Therefore, a continuous spectrum is a continuous series while a discrete spectrum has separate lines or values. A discrete spectrum is a series of attainable values of a physical quantity, having a positive gap between each value. What is the Difference Between Continuous and Discrete Spectrum?Ī continuous spectrum is a series of attainable values of a physical quantity, with no considerable gap between each value. This type of spectrum occurs due to electrons falling from some bound quantum state to a lower energy state. This is opposite to the continuous spectrum. What is Discrete Spectrum?Ī discrete spectrum is a series of attainable values of a physical quantity having a positive gap between each value. atoms in a gas, electrons in an electron beam, conduction band electrons in a metal, etc.). Usually, quantum chemical systems are associated with free particles (e.g. This is because the position and momentum of a free particle have a continuous spectrum, and when the particle is confined to limited space, its spectrum becomes a discrete spectrum. The term continuous spectrum is mostly used when the range of values for the physical quantity (mainly energy or wavelength) have both continuous and discrete parts, either at the same time or at different times. This spectrum is created due to free electrons, which become bound to a hydrogen ion and emit photons that tend to smoothly spread over a wide range of wavelengths. The most common example for a continuous spectrum is the spectrum of the light emitted by excited atoms of hydrogen. The values taken to build up a continuous spectrum can be energy, wavelength, etc. This value series is the opposite of the discrete spectrum. Side by Side Comparison – Continuous vs Discrete Spectrum in Tabular FormĪ continuous spectrum is a series of attainable values of a physical quantity, having no considerable gap between each value. The presence or absence of gaps between these values can create a discrete or a continuous spectrum, respectively. ![]() A spectrum can be created using the values obtained for a certain physical quantity. The terms continuous spectrum and discrete spectrum are the opposite of each other. The key difference between continuous and discrete spectrum is that a continuous spectrum does not have any discrete lines, whereas a discrete spectrum contains only discrete lines.
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