This document discusses different types of emission and absorption spectra. An emission spectrum is obtained by decomposing light emitted from an excited substance and can be either continuous or discontinuous (line). A continuous emission spectrum is characterized by an uninterrupted range of colors, like from an incandescent light bulb. A discontinuous emission spectrum shows a series of colored lines, like the spectrum of an element obtained using a low-pressure gas discharge tube. An absorption spectrum results from light passing through a substance and can also be either continuous or discontinuous.