The table below shows the wavelengths of visible light that correspond to different colors.
\begin{tabular}{|c|c|}
\hline
Color & \begin{tabular}{c}
Wavelength \\
[tex]$(nm)$[/tex]
\end{tabular} \\
\hline
Red & [tex]$700-635$[/tex] \\
\hline
Orange & [tex]$635-590$[/tex] \\
\hline
Yellow & [tex]$590-560$[/tex] \\
\hline
Green & [tex]$560-490$[/tex] \\
\hline
Blue & [tex]$490-450$[/tex] \\
\hline
Purple & [tex]$450-400$[/tex] \\
\hline
\end{tabular}

A student analyzes the emission spectrum of an unknown element and observes strong lines at the following wavelengths: [tex]$656 \, nm, 486 \, nm, 434 \, nm$[/tex].

Which absorption spectrum is the student most likely viewing?



Answer :

To determine which absorption spectrum the student is observing, we need to match the given wavelengths of 656 nm, 486 nm, and 434 nm to their corresponding colors based on the table provided.

Here is a step-by-step approach:

1. Identify the color for the wavelength 656 nm:
- According to the table:
- Red: 700 - 635 nm
- 656 nm falls within the range 700 - 635 nm.
- Therefore, the wavelength 656 nm corresponds to the color Red.

2. Identify the color for the wavelength 486 nm:
- According to the table:
- Green: 560 - 490 nm
- Blue: 490 - 450 nm
- 486 nm falls within the range 490 - 450 nm.
- Thus, the wavelength 486 nm corresponds to the color Blue.

3. Identify the color for the wavelength 434 nm:
- According to the table:
- Purple: 450 - 400 nm
- 434 nm falls within the range 450 - 400 nm.
- Hence, the wavelength 434 nm corresponds to the color Purple.

Based on this analysis, the observed colors for the wavelengths 656 nm, 486 nm, and 434 nm are:

1. 656 nm - Red
2. 486 nm - Blue
3. 434 nm - Purple

So, the absorption spectrum that the student is most likely viewing corresponds to the colors Red, Blue, and Purple.