A laboratory sample containing an unknown mixture of gases produces bright emission…
PHYSICS · Single correct · A Level · Physics · Particles and radiation · Particles and radiation
Problem
A laboratory sample containing an unknown mixture of gases produces bright emission lines at 656 nm, 590 nm, and 486 nm. A reference table of prominent lines for four possible elements is provided.
Element Prominent visible lines (nm)
Hydrogen 656, 486, 434
Helium 588, 668, 447
Sodium 589, 590
Neon 640, 614, 585
Which pair of elements best accounts for all of the observed lines in the sample?
(a) Hydrogen and Helium
(b) Helium and Sodium
(c) Hydrogen and Sodium
(d) Hydrogen and Neon