Spectroscopy

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Spectroscopy
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What is a spectrum?

• A spectrum is a separation of light into the
  colors that make it up.

• Hint A rainbow is a spectrum of the suns
  light produced by the atmosphere.

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What is the plural of spectrum?

• One spectrum two spectra !

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Diffraction Grating
Spectrum
White Light
Light Source
White Light
Spectrum
White light contains all the colors of the
rainbow.
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Diffraction Grating
Spectrum
Original Color
Light Source
Colored Light
Spectrum
Different light sources produce different spectra.
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What is a light source?
A light source is something that gives off light
such as a light bulb, a candle, or the sun.
http//sohowww.nascom.nasa.gov/
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Light and sound have something in common.

• Both are forms of

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energy!
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Every color in a spectrum has a different amount
of energy.
more energy
less energy
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Light sources contain elements,
such as neon (Ne), sodium (Na), or tungsten (W).
These elements produce light when their electrons
absorb and release energy.
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Different elements produce different colors of
light and different spectra.
We can find out what elements are present by
looking at the spectrum of a light source.
The study of spectra is called SPECTROSCOPY.
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Today, we will use diffraction gratings to
experiment with spectroscopy.
We will observe the spectra produced by different
elements.
The goal is to understand how the spectra of the
elements differ from one another.
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How to use a diffraction grating
Orient the diffraction grating sideways.Look to
the side of the light source.