If you excite an atom or an ion by very strong heating, electrons can be promoted from their normal unexcited state into higher orbitals. As they fall back down to lower levels (either in one go or in several steps), energy is released as light. This is
the basis of flame tests that can be done on metals to identify a particular element. Looking at the flame through a
spectroscope, you can observe a line spectrum (as shown).
What is a best explanation for different metals having various colors?
A)
The spectrum of lines will be produced, some of which will be in the
visible part of the spectrum. The color you see will be the highest energy
observed
The spectrum of lines will be produced, all of which will be in the visible
part of the spectrum. The color you see will be the most common color in
the spectrum
The spectrum of lines will be produced, all of which will be in the visible
part of the spectrum. The color you see will be a combination of all these
individual colors
The spectrum of lines will be produced, some of which will be in the
visible part of the spectrum. The color you see will be a combination of all
these individual colors
D