Spectroscopy Lab

Introduction:

In this lab, the goal was to learn about spectroscopy firsthand by attempting to identify different pure gases.

Procedures:

In order to complete this lab, we used plastic spectrometers, as well as a 2x2 diffraction grating to analyze the spectra of the lights in the room, as well as the gases provided. The website http://astro.u-strasbg.fr/~koppen/discharge/ was used to aid in figuring out which elements were observed.

Results and Discussion:

Part 1: Observing Spectra Using a Diffraction Grating

When I looked at the flourescent lights in the classroom through the diffraction grating, I had to tilt my head to get the angle just right to see a  very interesting-looking continuous spectrum that was in the same shape as the light source.

Part 2: Observing the continuous spectrum of an Incandescent Light Bulb

When looking through the spectrometer at the light bulb, a continuous spectrum was observed.

Part 3: Observing the Emission Spectra of Several Elements

In this section of the lab, we were instructed to observe several elements through our spectrometers and take note of the emission lines to try to figure out what each of the elements were.

Station 1: Incandescent light bulb with continuous spectrum

Station 2: Observed emission lines at approximately 655, 490, and 440. Conclusion: Hydrogen

Station 3: Observed a continuous emission line from approximately 590-640, 540, and 545.

Conclusion: Neon

Station 4: Observed emission lines at approximately 425-450, 555, and 590.

Conclusion: Krypton

Station 5: Observed emission lines at approximately 450, 465, 495, 500, and 595.

Conclusion: Helium

Station 6: Observed emission lines at approximately 500, 560, 590, and 610.

Conclusion: Sodium

Station 7: Observed emission lines at approximately 450-490, and 580-680.

Conclusion: Mercury

Conclusion:

It was amazing to see the spectra of light broken down into little lines like this. Though it was hard to get exact measurements of the emission lines, it was a very interesting lab.