What causes the lines in the spectrum for elements
continuous release of energy from the heated element
a quantum absorption of energy as various electrons are excited to a higher energy level
a quantum release of energy as electrons drop back to their ground state
none of the above

Question

What causes the lines in the spectrum for elements
 continuous release of energy from the heated element
a quantum absorption of energy as various electrons are excited to a higher energy level
a quantum release of energy as electrons drop back to their ground state
none of the above

aaronq · Answer

it can be either the second or the third depending on what the spectrum is, emission or absorption.