Spectral analysis (Bunsen-Kirchhoff)
Análisis espectral y ley de Kirchhoff de emisión-absorción
- Date
- 1859-1860 · confidence high
- Place
- University of Heidelberg
- Credited to
- Robert Bunsen and Gustav Kirchhoff
- People
- 👤 Gustav Kirchhoff1824–1887👤 Robert Bunsen1811–1899
- Field
- Matter & energy
What was discovered
Every element emits and absorbs light at characteristic spectral lines, allowing its identification in minute quantities and at a distance (the Sun). They discover caesium and rubidium and explain the Fraunhofer lines.
What it led to
- Astrophysics and the composition of stars
- Analytical spectroscopy
- Discovery of elements by spectrum
- Quantum theory of the atom
Built on
Made possible
- Caesium1860
- Rubidium1861
- Helium1868
- Balmer series and Rydberg formula1885
- spectroscope
- trace analysis