Question

The table below shows the wavelengths of visible light that correspond to different colors.

A 2 column table with 6 rows. The first column is labeled color with entries red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple. The second column is labeled wavelength in nanometers with entries 700 to 635, 635 to 590, 590 to 560, 560 to 490, 490 to 450, 450 to 400.

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

Which absorption spectrum is the student most likely viewing?

A line spectrum with one black line in purple, blue, light blue and red.
A line spectrum with 3 black lines in purple, one black line in blue, 2 black lines in light blue, one black line in orange and one black line in orange-red.
A line spectrum with 3 black lines in purple, 2 black lines in blue, 2 black lines in light blue, one black line in green and one black line in yellow.
A line spectrum with 4 black lines in blue, 6 black lines in green, 3 black lines in yellow and one black line in orange.

Answer 1

Use the table ranges to convert wavelengths to colors:
- 656 nm → red (700–635 nm)
- 486 nm → blue (490–450 nm)
- 434 nm → purple (450–400 nm)

An absorption spectrum for the same element would show dark lines at those colors (red, blue, purple). The only answer that includes black lines at red, blue and purple is option A.