Spectroscopy Laboratory

SPECTROSCOPY LABORATORY

Introduction: This exercise will permit the student to study the spectroscope and to use it to examine the spectra of several light sources. It is possible to view the separate colors of the emission spectrum by using a spectroscope, which uses a prism to separate light of different energies. This allows us to see the various distinct colors of the emission spectrum of a sample.

Procedure: Insert the spectral tube into the power source. Turn the power on and focus the spectroscope on the tube. Record your data.

You must look at the following: He tube H tube 2 other tubes of your choice Example of a data table: He spectral lines

Color of line Wavelength read from spectroscope

QUESTIONS:

1. Arrange the colors of visible light in order of increasing wavelengths of their photons. Start with shortest  and go to longest .

2. Compare a photon of green light with a photon of read light with respect to wavelength, energy, and frequency.

3. Draw a diagram that shows what the atomic spectrum of the hydrogen atom looks like through a spectroscope.

4. How might the emission spectrum of hydrogen differ from the emission spectrum of another element such as iron?

5. Make a sketch showing how the first four energy levels in a hydrogen atom are arranged. Carefully observe the spacing of the levels to accurately represent the energy differences between the levels. (Use your textbook or the internet to find the answer)

6. Using the sketch you made in question #5, describe how a single color line is created in the hydrogen spectrum.

7. Explain how the spectrum of hydrogen contains lines of several wavelengths, even though the atom has only one electron?

8. Explain why the spectrum for each element is different.

9. Is the spectrum of any element limited only to the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum? Offer some explanation for your answer.