Build a DIY Reflection Spectroscope
Translated by
ScribdTranslationsBuild a DIY Reflection Spectroscope
Translated by
ScribdTranslationsANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY II
REFLECTION SPECTROSCOPE
Theoretical Foundation
When sunlight passes through small raindrops, it is broken down into the colors that compose it and an arc is formed.
iris. It is also possible to observe the spectrum of colors of white light by passing it through a prism (a piece of glass
whose faces are not parallel). This way of decomposing light is based on the fact that each of the colors that make up light
Blanca undergoes a different deviation when passing through a transparent medium. This property is related to refraction.
light and, therefore, depends on the refractive index of the medium through which light propagates. But white light also
it breaks down into its colors when it strikes obstacles that are very close to each other (separated by distances that
on the order of the wavelength of light). This way of decomposing light is related to diffraction, which is a
phenomenon that reveals the wave nature of light.
In this practice, we will learn to build a device, based on the diffraction of light, that allows us to see the spectra of
lights emitted by different light sources.
The basic element of this simple instrument is a compact disc (CD) on whose surface there is an engraved spiral track.
(in which the information is recorded). Since there is very little separation between two consecutive turns of the spiral, the CD
It behaves like a diffraction grating. When white light from a light source reflects off a grating
Diffraction, each color of light is deflected at a different angle. For this reason, when white light hits the disk
compact, we observe the colors of the rainbow in the diffracted light.
Objectives
Build a spectroscope with homemade materials, as shown in Figure 1.
Observe continuous spectra (sunlight or incandescent bulb light) and discrete (lamps)
fluorescents, street lighting, flat computer monitor, etc.
Material
Black cardboard.
A compact disc (CD that may be used).
Scissors.
Glue.
Black adhesive tape (insulating tape).
Work to be done
You have to build a small box (preferably made of black cardboard) and insert a piece of a compact disc, to
that when light reflects off the CD, it breaks down into its different components and creates a spectrum (figure 2).
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY II
On the internet, you can find various models of homemade spectroscopes. In what follows, we will use one.
very simple(1) to which we will introduce some small modifications to facilitate its construction.
• Transfer the measurements of figure 3 to a black cardboard sheet, trying to respect the dimensions that
They are indicated (in cm). Cut out their outline with scissors.
The narrower the slit through which light enters the box, the more defined the spectrum will be, but
the same time will be less bright. In practice, acceptable results are obtained with a width
ranging from 1 to 2 mm. To build the slit, you need to take two rectangles of black cardstock (of 4
cm wide) and stick them onto the window cut-out on the small side of the box (figure 4).
Next, we are going to prepare the diffraction grating that will decompose the light entering the box. To do this
You need to cut a circular sector from the CD, fitting it as well as possible inside the box. Mark the sector.
about the CD using a pen or a permanent marker.
The easiest way to cut the compact disc, without the edges chipping, is to cut it underwater.
Figure 5. Pour about 10 cm of water into a bucket, submerge the disc underwater, and cut it slowly with
the scissors.
Before finally closing the box, we must look for the most suitable position for the circular sector.
cut out from the CD (figure 6). As a guideline, you can start by placing the sector of the CD about 2 cm
from the base of the observation window, temporarily close the box and start moving the CD piece until
find the ideal position where the spectrum of an incandescent bulb appears centered
about him.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY II
The next step is to close the box by sticking the flaps (figure 6). The front will be left
the slit, while at the back there will be an opening through which the spectrum can be observed
formed when light strikes the surface of the CD.
Finally, to prevent light from entering the box from any other place than the front slot, reinforce with
black insulating tape the edges of the box, trying to leave no gaps through which it could
let in the light.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY II
Spectrum observation
We will start by observing the spectrum of sunlight. Position yourself near a window or outdoors and look at
through the observation window of the spectroscope. Do not point the slit directly at the Sun, because the light
Direct solar or reflected sunlight on the CD can damage your retina.
In this way, the light reflected by the CD is divided into its components and all the colors appear.
of the rainbow, that is to say, you are observing a continuous spectrum in which all are present
components of white light, from red to violet.
• Observe below the spectrum of light coming from an incandescent bulb (of the type that
They have a filament that turns a whitish-yellow color). What does this spectrum look like?
Next, analyze the light emitted by a fluorescent tube (figure 7). If you can't see the spectrum clearly, move closer.
spectroscope to the tube. You will observe that on the continuous spectrum of white light appear some lines whose
the color is more intense. This second spectrum, which stands out over the continuum, is called discontinuous (or
discreet) because it only contains certain colors that are due to the light emitted by mercury and others
elements inside the fluorescent tube.
Analyze the light coming from other sources, such as a candle, a halogen lamp, the light from street lighting.
public, the light emitted by LED diodes (such as those present in many traffic lights), the red light
coming from the power indicator of the power strips, the light emitted by the flat screen of a
computer (with different background colors: white, red, green, blue, etc.). In figure 7 appear the
spectra from other light sources.