https://www.khanacademy.org/science/hs-chemistry/x2613d8165d88df5e:atomic-models-and-periodicity/x2613d8165d88df5e:the-bohr-model-and-atomic-spectra/v/atomic_spectra 2024-06-10T02:56:50.336884637Z Atomic spectra Electrons only exist at specific, discrete energy levels in an atom. If an electron absorbs a photon with energy equal to the difference between two energy levels, the electron will transition to the higher energy level. The atom is then in an excited state. When an electron transitions to a lower energy level, it emits a photon with energy equal to the difference. Every element has a unique emission/absorption spectrum, making atomic spectral lines a valuable tool for identifying elements in distant astronomical objects. Mahesh Shenoy video https://cdn.kastatic.org/ka_thumbnails_cache/be385b3f-5a8b-4b49-a635-f562d1816780_1280_720_base.png Atomic spectra Electrons only exist at specific, discrete energy levels in an atom. If an electron absorbs a photon with energy equal to the difference between two energy levels, the electron will transition to the higher energy level. The atom is then in an excited state. When an electron transitions to a lower energy level, it emits a photon with energy equal to the difference. Every element has a unique emission/absorption spectrum, making atomic spectral lines a valuable tool for identifying elements in distant astronomical objects. https://cdn.kastatic.org/ka-youtube-converted/N0lBsW3ZzN8.mp4/N0lBsW3ZzN8.mp4 883 Atomic spectra https://www.khanacademy.org/science/hs-chemistry/x2613d8165d88df5e:atomic-models-and-periodicity/x2613d8165d88df5e:the-bohr-model-and-atomic-spectra/a/atomic-spectra 2026-05-14T17:30:36.702054583Z Learn and try: Atomic spectra Learn about modern atomic theory, electron excitation, and atomic spectra using PhET's "Models of the hydrogen atom" simulation. article https://www.khanacademy.org/science/hs-chemistry/x2613d8165d88df5e:atomic-models-and-periodicity/x2613d8165d88df5e:the-bohr-model-and-atomic-spectra/e/apply-atomic-spectra 2026-06-29T18:00:57.756067884Z Apply: Atomic spectra Apply your understanding of atomic spectra in this set of free, standards-aligned practice questions. Emily Cizmas exercise