Physics
Lab 3.1 Spectrum
Overview
The purpose of this
laboratory class is to demonstrate different methods of
dispersing light and to study the visible spectrum
Experiments
- Disperse light using
a prism
- Disperse light using
water and a mirror
- Disperse light using
a CD
Experiment
1: Prism Dispersion
Equipment
Light source capable of
providing a narrow, bright beam of light. Old pair of
binoculars
White screen – piece
of white paper or board mounted vertically.
Procedure
- Project a narrow beam
of light onto the screen
- Place the prism in
the path of the light beam and move the screen so
that the dispersed light is projected on the
screen.
Questions
- The beam of light is
bent (diffracted) by the prism. Is it bent
towards the thin part of the prism?
- What color is
diffracted the most?
Experiment
2: Water Prism
Equipment
Mirror, Light source
capable of providing a narrow, bright beam of light
Shallow container filled
with water
Procedure
- Place the mirror in
the water so that it rests at an angle to the
surface.
- Project a narrow beam
of light onto the mirror (through the water).
- Locate the screen so
that the reflected beam can be seen on the screen.
Questions
- What color is
diffracted the most?
Experiment
3: CD Spectrum
Equipment
Light source capable of
providing a narrow, bright beam of light, CD
Procedure
- Shine a narrow beam
of light so that it strikes the CD at a small
angle. (between 10º and 80º)
- Locate the screen so
that the reflected beam can be seen on the screen.
Question
- How many spectra can
be seen?
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