What does a continuous spectrum contain?

A continuous spectrum represents a range of colors seamlessly blending into one another, without any distinct breaks or lines. This type of spectrum occurs when light is emitted from a source, such as a solid or glowing liquid, where the energy levels are closely packed together, allowing for the emission of all wavelengths across the visible spectrum.

In the context of light, a continuous spectrum is produced by incandescent solids and liquids, where the emitted light is a mixture of all colors. Each color corresponds to a specific wavelength, and they appear together without gaps, resulting in a smooth gradient across the color spectrum from violet through red. This is in contrast to other types of spectra, where only specific wavelengths are present, leading to distinct lines or points of color rather than a fluid transition.