Question

Band spectrum is characteristic of:

• A. atoms
• B. molecules
• C. amorphous solids
• D. crystalline solids

Hint:

Band spectra are observed in molecular gases and molecules in the liquid or solid state, typically due to electronic, vibrational, and rotational transitions.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understand the nature of band spectra.
Band spectra are produced when molecules absorb light and undergo transitions between various energy states within the molecular orbitals. Unlike atomic spectra, which consist of discrete lines, band spectra appear as a series of closely spaced lines or bands.

Step 2: Characteristics of band spectra.
- Atoms produce line spectra, which are very sharp because electron transitions occur between fixed energy levels.
- Molecules, however, produce band spectra because the energy levels are more closely spaced and involve molecular vibrations and rotations in addition to electronic transitions.

Step 3: Conclusion.
Therefore, band spectra are characteristic of molecules, which involve more complex energy transitions than atoms.