Electrons Emit a Quanta of Energy

The Chemistry of Art > 2. The Structure of the Atom and Colours > Electrons Emit a Quanta of Energy >

As electrons return to lower energy levels, they emit quanta of energy which humans may detect as a specific colour

  • Electrons in atoms may move from one energy level to another allowed energy level through absorption or emission of photons of specific energy
  • Each line in an atoms emission spectrum shows the transition of an electron from a higher energy level to a lower energy level, accompanying the release of quanta (photons)
  • Some quanta emissions correspond to the wavelength that falls within the visible region of EM spectrum, a region sensitive to human’s eyes – allowing them to identify certain colours.