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Atomic emission spectra are sensitive tests for the presence or absence of a par

ID: 794504 • Letter: A

Question

Atomic emission spectra are sensitive tests for the presence or absence of a particular element in a sample. The spectra shown below are authentic spectra for the elements magnesium and calcium. The atomic emission spectrum for a sample that could contain either magnesium, calcium, both elements, or neither element was measured. The wavelengths from the spectrum of the sample were noted as being accurate to +/- 5 nm.

Select the most accurate statement about the sample from the list below.

Image credit: Joachim K

Atomic emission spectra are sensitive tests for the presence or absence of a particular element in a sample. The spectra shown below are authentic spectra for the elements magnesium and calcium. The atomic emission spectrum for a sample that could contain either magnesium, calcium, both elements, or neither element was measured. The wavelengths from the spectrum of the sample were noted as being accurate to +/- 5 nm. Select the most accurate statement about the sample from the list below. Image credit: Joachim Köppen Strasbourg/Illkirch/Kiel 2007 Images used with permission All scales are in Ångstroms (10 Å = 1 nm)

Explanation / Answer

A spectrum that shows lines at 457 nm and at 527 nm contains magnesium.

A spectrum that shows lines at 458nm and at 617 nm contains calcium.