What is a continuous spectrum?

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continuous spectrum includes energy at all wavelengths. This differs from a discrete spectrum where radiation does not exist at each wavelength, but only certain. The spectra is the topic of interest for astronomers, chemists and other people who collect information about the composition of objects and materials by studying their spectral profiles. One example of a continuous spectrum known to many laymen is the spectrum, a number of wavelengths of light visible to the human eye. In the case of visible light it can be represented by a series of colors. Other types of radiation must be represented by graphs and color charts because the radiation is not visible. It is possible to collect information about the object by looking at the type of energy found in our spectrum and portraying it along the curve.

In some cases, it has clear or dark lines, indicating the presence or lack of radiation emitted by the source. These show that the spectrum is discreet and the energy of some wavelengths does not pass. To this can be drivent because of the obstacles between the source and the detector. When scientists expected a continuous spectrum, the appearance of the lines may indicate that there is an interesting phenomenon.

A classic example may occur when scientists look at the spectrum of the star radiation after passing the gas cloud. The gas absorbs energy at some wavelengths and creates a spectrum of absorption or dark lines. Scientists can also look at the spectrum of the gas itself and should see an emission or clear line spectrum where energy is captured. When the stars and gas spectra are held together, the bright lines of the gas should correspond to the dark lines observed in the reading of the star spectrum. It is also possible for the stars to create an emission or absorbent spectra because the clouds of gases are surrounded that can disrupt radiation emissions.

bulbs are an example of a continuous spectrum. When they are on, they emit the energy of all wavelengths in a particularthe extent. On the other hand, neon characters produce discrete spectra with concentrations of red, blue or other colors of light, creating a very distinctive visual appearance. The same feature can be seen when scientists warm up samples of unknown gases and minerals that can be burned when heated, and create spectral emissions that betray their content.