A spectroscope is a tool used to analyze light. Through this analysis, we can gain insight into a wide variety of physical phenomena and object properties. We invite you to read this blog to learn more about its applications and, more importantly, learn how to make one. homemade spectroscope.
the spectroscope
As we have indicated before, it is used to detect properties of elements through the analysis of light, which is why these devices have application in various fields of science, in particular in physics and chemistry. In this article we intend to teach you how to make a homemade spectroscope so you can start by analyzing the spectrum of the light sources that are within your reach, such as light bulbs and lamps.
The basic principle of the spectroscope is very easy to understand. Spectroscopy is based on a procedure that allows white light to be separated into its different colors. This natural process is known to everyone, because it is visible in nature in the form of a rainbow.
The rainbow is a phenomenon that manifests itself at times of rain with the presence of adequate sunlight, its appearance is due to the fact that the raindrops act as small prisms that manage to separate the different light emissions, in a similar way to as it happens in a spectroscope.
With tools that we can have at hand we are going to build our own homemade spectroscope. With the help of it, we will discover and understand the composition of light. It only requires that we use our imagination and direct the spectroscope to different light sources within our reach, but we must never point it at the sun.
You will be amazed at the light spectrum of a fluorescent light tube or incandescent bulbs, a street light pole or an LED lamp. This is a perfect experiment to do with children at home or at school. In a simple and fun way we will be able to show aspects of physics and chemistry, such as the composition of light and we will even be able to talk about the composition and colors of Stars.
But we must give you a serious warning, we must NEVER direct our homemade spectroscope towards the Sun. This is because the resulting radiation can cause loss of sight.
Build a homemade spectroscope
In the first place, it is necessary to explain what are the objectives that we will set ourselves when building a homemade spectroscope:
Objectives
- Understand what a spectrum is and its relevance in research processes
- make a homemade spectroscope
- Study the spectrum produced by various light sources
- Know the composition of light
- Understand how scientists have managed to discover the chemical composition of stars billions of kilometers away
Necessary materials
- A blank CD
- A small/medium cardboard box
- The cardboard of a roll of toilet paper
- Glue or tape
- Duct tape or razor blades
- Scissors and cutter
how to build it
On one side of the box, a hole wider than the cardboard roll is cut, so that it can then be inserted at an angle.
A 0,1 mm thick slot should be cut into the front of the box. To make it narrow and even, you can place two razor blades facing each other or simply two strips of black electrical tape around the slit.
Inside the box, on the opposite side to the slit, the blank CD is glued, placing the shiny side in sight.
The tube is placed, which has the function of a peephole, and the box is closed, checking that no light enters it through any other place than the peephole and the slit that we have cut. If we want to make sure that there is darkness inside the box, we can line the corners, or the entire box with aluminum foil.
When we have finished building our homemade spectroscope, we will be able to point it at any light source except our star, due to the structure of the sun, and observe its spectrum inside the box. To do this, point the slit in the box toward the light source, stand on the side of the box, and look through the peephole or cardboard tube at the CD glued inside.
light spectrum
With the simple procedure of making the light fall through the slit of the homemade spectroscope, we will be able to analyze the spectra of various light sources. But in order to carry out the analysis properly and to better understand our results, an internet query must be made about the chemical composition of the different light sources used and their light spectrum.
