Why do elements emit color when heated?
Color is composed of light particles called photons. Molecular motion or radiation (heat) is converted into electron energy. This extra energy momentarily bumps an electron to a higher orbital. When higher-orbital electrons move back down, radiation is emitted. This radiation is the observed color.Color and EnergyColors with higher frequency and shorter wavelength have higher energy corresponding to blue-violet shades on the spectrum. Longer-wavelength light is seen as orange-red colors. Therefore, a “blue photon” has more energy than a “red photon.”Electron OrbitalsElectrons are located in orbitals roughly analogous to planet orbits around the sun. When electrons move to higher orbitals, energy is absorbed. When they move to lower orbitals, energy—photons—is released.Excitation by HeatIf the energy given by the environment matches the energy difference between two orbitals, an electron moves to a higher orbital. This process absorbs heat energy into the atom.Emission StepsThe ener
