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Different elements have different spectra because the wavelength of light absorbed or emitted by an atom is determined by the energy difference between the atomic orbitals involved in the transition. The energy levels of atomic orbitals are quantized, meaning that they can only have certain discrete values. The specific energy levels of the atomic orbitals depend on the size, shape, and electronegativity of the atom. As a result, each element has a unique set of energy levels, and therefore a unique spectrum.