Spectral Lines vs. Diffraction Pattern

[Meghanhe1l]

What is the difference between spectral lines and a diffraction pattern in terms of waves and aborption? Also what is the difference between absorption and emission spectra?

[Dimitri Speron 1C]

Spectral lines are the patterns created from the light absorbed or emitted by a hydrogen atom. Diffraction patterns are the patterns created when two light waves interact with each other creating patterns of constructive or destructive interference. These are not necessarily related in the context of this unit, I believe. Absorption spectrums are the frequencies of light absorbed by atoms as their electrons increase in energy to a higher energy level. Emission spectrums on the other hand, are the frequencies of light given off by electrons as they go from their excited state back down to a lower energy level.