Goggle Box Spectroscopy and Color - Cover Sheet SCI Home | SCI Faculty Page | Case Notes | Reference List | Users Notes

Author - Dale Moore (Summer 1998)

Case Purpose This case provides an introduction to spectroscopy, used in both chemistry and astronomy, and provides the basis for further qualitative activities based on color.

Relation to Texts Students make observations and suggest theories, coverage of (either) Ziman (ISS) text through CH2 is appropriate. Ties may be made to the topics of observation, the scientific method, and theory and explanation.

Description of Case Materials Requires materials from the Chemistry Department stockroom; requests for materials should be made through Dale Moore (-2754), or another chemist, at least one week in advance to verifiy availability.

• Goggle Boxes (with diffraction gratings)
• Elemental Light Bulbs (Hydrogen, Helium, Neon, and Mercury)
• Flame Test Materials: Na (yellow), Cu (blue), Sr (red), and Ni (green); wires for dipping; and a burner with matches (burner requires a gas source).
• Nickel Ion Solutions

Case Use The instructor performs demonstrations (with strict control, students may perform them) involving light, its interaction with material, and the resulting colors.

Reference List Check with Chemistry Department to borrow texts. (There are no introductory chemistry texts in library.) See also Trefil & Hazen, CH9-10.