A continuous spectrum is produced by a light source that emits light at all wavelengths, without any gaps. This type of spectrum is produced by incandescent objects, such as the sun, light bulbs, and candles.
A line spectrum is produced by a light source that emits light at only specific wavelengths. This type of spectrum is produced by atoms and molecules that have been heated to a high temperature, such as the gases in a neon sign.
The difference between a continuous spectrum and a line spectrum is due to the different ways in which light is emitted by the two types of light sources. In a continuous spectrum, the light is emitted by the thermal motion of the atoms and molecules in the light source. In a line spectrum, the light is emitted by the electrons in the atoms and molecules in the light source.
When an ionic compound is heated, the electrons in the compound are excited to higher energy levels. When the electrons fall back to lower energy levels, they emit light. The wavelengths of the light emitted by the electrons are determined by the energy levels of the electrons. Since the energy levels of electrons in an ionic compound are discrete, the light emitted by the compound is a line spectrum.
