What diagram represents the distinct frequencies of light waves from a given source?

Prepare thoroughly for your DIVE Chemistry Quarterly Exam 1. Engage with flashcards, multiple choice questions, hints, and in-depth explanations. Excel in your exam preparation!

The correct choice is the line spectrum, which represents the distinct frequencies of light waves emitted by a specific source. A line spectrum consists of a series of bright lines, each corresponding to a particular wavelength (or frequency) of light that the source emits. This occurs because when an element's electrons transition between energy levels, they emit photons at specific energies that correspond to the differences in energy levels. Each photon emitted produces a line in the spectrum at a distinct frequency, making the line spectrum useful for identifying elements and understanding their electronic structure.

In contrast, a continuous spectrum displays a seamless range of wavelengths, representing all the colors without any gaps, typically produced by blackbody radiation rather than distinct line emissions from elements. The periodic table, while crucial in chemistry, does not represent light frequencies but rather organizes elements based on their atomic structure and properties. Frequency distribution, on the other hand, is a statistical tool used to show how frequently each frequency occurs in a given dataset, which does not directly relate to the emission of light from elements.

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