= Atomic spectroscopy
<Atomic spectroscopy> studies the emission, absorption and scattering associated with the <energy levels> of <chemical atoms> and <ions>. The positions of <spectral lines> identify differences of <energy>, while their strengths and polarization also depend on populations and <selection rules>.
A dilute-gas discharge can excite <chemical atoms>; a spectrometer then separates the emitted <light> by <wavelength>. Comparing the resulting lines with an independently calibrated reference can identify an element or reveal an <isotope shift>. Changing a <magnetic field> tests <Zeeman splitting>, and improving <energy resolution> can reveal <fine structure>. Different experimental changes therefore isolate different pieces of the atomic model.
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