Atomic Spectra

Continuous Spectra

The (Visible) Hydrogen Spectrum

Other Spectra

Notes on the Procedure

Do steps 3-5 in part A Measure at least 3 of the 4 hydrogen lines (the deep purple one may be

really hard to see) In report, give % errors for the measured hydrogen lines. Measure at least 4 of the helium lines Observe the other elements (don’t have to measure the wavelengths)

Ignore all of part B and data sheet B For part C

Your graph should look similar to figure 3, except to scale Use your own graph paper Be sure to include the 1216 Angstrom line You can set the y=0 line as the n=1 (ground state) energy level

Qualitative Observations of Other Elements

How does the number of lines change with the atomic number (periodic table might help)?

How does the spacing of the lines change with atomic number? Any noticeable relation between the brightness and colors of

individual emission lines and the blended light emitted by the element?

Try to explain why these trends happen (you don’t have to be right, just try and give me some logical explanation).

Observe hydrogen, deuterium (hydrogen with an extra neutron), and water. Discuss similarities and differences in their spectra, and why these might occur.

Feel free to discuss and other interesting features you see.