Conceptual Physics (12th Edition)

Published by Addison-Wesley
ISBN 10: 0321909100
ISBN 13: 978-0-32190-910-7

Chapter 30 - Think and Explain - Page 579-581: 45

Answer

Yes. The radiant energy from an incandescent solid contains an infinite number of frequencies, spread smoothly across the electromagnetic spectrum.

Work Step by Step

Atomic excitation occurs in all matter: solids, liquids, and gases. Atoms in solids/liquids are tightly packed. Their energy levels interact, and radiation from them is smudged into a broad distribution, producing a smooth spectrum. On the other hand, the radiation from widely-spaced gas atoms is emitted at discrete wavelengths. This is discussed on pages 567-569.
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