Introduction

Because we cannot see atoms directly, we must learn about them through indirect observations. For example, light is emitted from gases that are electrically excited. Thus the atoms in the gas are involved in the process of emitting light. In this activity we will look at this light and see what we can learn about the atom from the properties of the light.

This is a tutorial that lets you explore the Hydrogen Spectra through pictures and programs designed to show the physics of a single electron atom. Then this tutorial moves beyond a general exploration to guide you through the concepts of Emission Ionization and Absorption.