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When a pure atomic gas such as hydrogen or helium is subjected to a high-voltage electrical discharge, light is produced and the gas glows. When this light is observed through a diffraction grating, a series of bright colored lines is observed. The series of bright lines is called an atomic emission spectrum and is unique to each element. In this activity, a spectroscope will be used to view the “bright line” emission spectra of different elements and determine their wavelengths. A spectroscope contains a diffraction grating that separates light into its component wavelengths.

Concepts

  • Emission Spectra
  • Energy Levels
  • Electrons