Forensic Chemistry > All Elements Have Identifiable Emission Spectra And This Can be Used to Identify Trace Elements
All elements have identifiable emission spectra and this can be used to identify trace elements
Students learn to:
- describe the conditions under which atoms will emit light
- identify that the emission of quanta of energy as electrons move to lower energy levels may be detected by humans as a specific colour
- explain why excited atoms in the gas phase emit or absorb only certain wavelengths of light
- account for the fact that each element produces its signature line emission spectrum
- discuss the use of line emission spectra to identify the presence of elements in chemicals
Students:
- identify data, choose equipment, plan, and perform a first-hand investigation using flame tests and/or spectroscope analysis as appropriate to identify and gather first-hand information to describe the emission spectrum of a range of elements including Na and Hg
- process and present information from secondary sources to analyse and identify individual elements present in a mixed emission spectrum and use available evidence to explain how such information can assist analysis of the origins of a mixture
Extract from Chemistry Stage 6 Syllabus (Amended October 2002). © 2009, Board of Studies NSW.