Spectral lines are produced by transitions of electrons within atoms or ions. As the electrons move closer to or farther from the nucleus of an atom (or of an ion), energy in the form of light (or other radiation) is emitted or absorbed.…

How do you find a spectral line?

For example, suppose one atom with an electron at energy level 7 (n2=7). That electron can "de-excite" from n2=7 to n1=6,5,4,3,2, or 1. All those transitions give one spectral line for each. Thus, total of 1×6=n1(n2−n1) (foot note 1) spectral lines would be present in the spectrum.

What determines spectral lines are present?

The presence of spectral lines is explained by quantum mechanics in terms of the energy levels of atoms, ions and molecules. ... Emission lines occur when the electrons of an excited atom, element or molecule move between energy levels, returning towards the ground state.