How absorption spectra are formed?

Absorption spectra are formed when light passes through a cooler gas or liquid, causing specific wavelengths of light to be absorbed by the atoms or molecules present. Each element or compound absorbs light at characteristic wavelengths corresponding to the energy differences between its electron energy levels. As a result, when the light is analyzed, dark lines or bands appear in the spectrum at these absorbed wavelengths, creating a unique fingerprint for the substance. This helps in identifying the composition and properties of the material.