Spectrometry

Goal: to observe the spectra of different sources of light

Equipment:

• See list at instructions below for household items required.

Procedure

1. Follow the instructions at the Star Hop site for the making your own spectroscope.
2. You will need an old CD that you can cut up (really old software disks work great).
3. After you make the spectroscope, see how many sources of light you can find and identify as different. Household incandescent light bulbs, fluorescent bulbs, and street lights (both sulfur and mercury) are a good start. Use the wavelength scale to estimate the position of the emission spectrum lines.

Report

In your lab report, be sure to explain how you could use these lines to identify the type of material from which they come.

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