Photographing Spectra

The spectra of elements provide evidence for the electronic structure of elements as well as providing means to identify an element. A spectroscope or spectrometer is a standard, but expensive, tool in chemistry and physics classes for the viewing of spectra and related calculations of electron transitions. A simple spectrometer can easily be made by placing a piece of diffraction grating over the lens of a camera. With this apparatus it is possible to view and photograph the spectra of commercially available spectrum tubes. Using photographs or slides, spectra can be shown to a large class without the time consuming process of having individuals view each spectrum separately. Slides or photographs can also be used to compare the spectra of elements or of elements and compounds.