Simple Spectroscope
Description: A basic hand-held spectroscope is made from a diffraction grating and a paper tube.Objective: To construct a simple spectroscope with a diffraction grating.
|
Materials:
Diffraction grating 2 cm square
(See note.)* Procedure: 1. Using the pencil, trace around the end of the paper tube on the poster board. Make two circles and cut them out. The circles should be just larger than the tube's opening. 2. Cut a 2 centimeter square hole in the center of one circle. Tape the diffraction grating square over the hole. If students are making their own spectroscopes, it may be better if an adult cuts the squares and the slot in step 4 below. 3. Tape the circle with the grating inward to one end of the tube. 4. Make a slot cutter tool by taping two single edge razor blades together with a piece of poster board between. Use the tool to make parallel cuts about 2 centimeters long across the middle of the |
 second circle. Use the razor blade knife to cut across the ends of the cuts to form a narrow slot across the middle of the circle. 5. Place the circle with the slot against the other end of the tube. While holding it in place, observe a light source such as a fluorescent tube. Be sure to look through the grating end of the spectroscope. The spectrum will appear off to the side from the slot. Rotate the circle with the slot until the spectrum is as wide as possible. Tape the circle to the end of the tube in this position. The spectroscope is complete. 6. Examine various light sources with the spectroscope. If possible examine nighttime street lighting. Use particular |
Last modified prior to September, 2000 by the Windows Team
The source of this material is Windows to the Universe, at http://www.windows.ucar.edu/ at the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR). © The Regents of the University of Michigan. Windows to the Universe® is a registered trademark of UCAR. All Rights Reserved. Site policies and disclaimer
