Spectrum Definition in Chemistry

Prism with light
A spectrum is a set of wavelengths of light or electromagnetic radiation.

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By
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Chemistry Expert
  • Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
  • B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College
Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels.
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Updated on July 03, 2019

A spectrum is defined as the characteristic wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation (or a portion thereof) that is emitted or absorbed by an object or substance, atom, or molecule.

The emission spectrum shows the relative abundance of photons at each wavelength of the electromagnetic spectrum.
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What Is an Emission Spectrum in Science?
By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.

Plural: Spectra

Example

Examples of a spectrum include the rainbow, the emission colors from the Sun, and the infrared absorption wavelengths from a molecule.

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Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Spectrum Definition in Chemistry." ThoughtCo, Aug. 28, 2020, thoughtco.com/definition-of-spectrum-604654. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2020, August 28). Spectrum Definition in Chemistry. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-spectrum-604654 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Spectrum Definition in Chemistry." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-spectrum-604654 (accessed April 16, 2024).