Explore the Emission Spectrum Viewer
A virtual spectrometer: 20 gases, emission, absorption and hot-solid views, an adjustable slit, UV to infrared, a hydrogen energy-level diagram.
- Free to use
- No signup
- Nothing to install
- Runs in your browser
Illustration. Open the tool for the real thing.
See it in action
The Emission Spectrum Viewer with sample data entered and the result showing.
What is the Emission Spectrum Viewer?
A virtual spectrometer: 20 gases, emission, absorption and hot-solid views, an adjustable slit, UV to infrared, a hydrogen energy-level diagram and a mystery-element challenge. It runs in your browser, so a change to a setting or a drag on an object shows up at once.
Astronomers identify elements in stars from spectral lines. Forensic and mining labs use the same method to analyse samples.
3 steps to your result
Open the tool and follow along. Nothing to install.
What you get
Each element emits light at its own set of wavelengths: a fingerprint.
Hot solids give a continuous spectrum, but hot gases give bright lines.
Astronomers use spectral lines to work out what stars are made of.
Compare hydrogen and neon.
Switch to Absorption.
Hover to read wavelengths.
Used for
Pick one to see how it fits.
Atomic & Quantum learners
Advanced high-school and university students in chemistry and physics, and curious learners who want to see how the atomic world behaves.
Try it freeTeachers
For teachers: project the Emission Spectrum Viewer on the board, let students predict the result, then run it together and test this: Switch to Absorption. For students: change one thing at a time and write down what changes.
Try it freeHow it compares
A plain look at this tool next to the usual alternative.
| This simulation | Textbook diagram | |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive | Drag, tap and change settings | Fixed picture |
| Install | Nothing to install | Not needed |
| Cost | Free to use | Depends on the book |
Questions people ask
Why does every element have a different spectrum?
Each element has a unique set of electron energy levels, so the photon energies released in jumps between them are unique too.
How is this used in real life?
In spectroscopy, to identify elements in stars, in flame tests, and in analysing materials.
Is the Emission Spectrum Viewer free to use?
Yes. The Emission Spectrum Viewer is free, needs no signup or download and runs in your web browser. It is part of the Atomic & Quantum group of AZRS simulations.
Does the Emission Spectrum Viewer work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The Emission Spectrum Viewer takes touch input as well as mouse input, so you can use its 10 adjustable settings with a finger. A larger screen makes the controls and graphs easier to read.
How do I use the Emission Spectrum Viewer?
1. In the Emission Spectrum Viewer, use the controls to change Light source, Nuclear charge Z, Filament temperature, Slit width, Exposure, and more. The simulation reacts instantly. 2. In the Emission Spectrum Viewer, pick an option such as Emission, Absorption, Hot solid, Visible to switch modes or load an example. 3. Start with this experiment: Compare hydrogen and neon. Drag any glowing handle, object or slider with your mouse or finger and the Emission Spectrum Viewer responds in real time. 4. Change one setting at a time and watch which readout moves, then compare it with this idea: Each element emits light at its own set of wavelengths: a fingerprint.
More free tools
Related to the Emission Spectrum Viewer.
Try the Emission Spectrum Viewer now
A virtual spectrometer: 20 gases, emission, absorption and hot-solid views, an adjustable. Free to use.
Try it free