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Spectroscopy Lab Report

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cName: Nicholas Cassel Gen Chem 1210 23 March 2013

Blinded By the Light

Abstract: In this experiment we were provided a cereal box spectrometer to observe the emission lines of noble gases and hydrogen. Based on the scale readings on the spectrometer and the Balmer-Rydberg formula, their wavelengths and percent error were able to be extrapolated. Based on the literature values, the cereal box spectrometer proved its value as a decently accurate spectrometer.

Introduction: Every element and subsequent atom associated emits light; also know as electromagnetic radiation, when in an excited state. Analyzing this emitted light can give insight to the makeup and characteristics of them. The light given off by an energetically excited …show more content…

2012). With the spectroscope, the helium in the discharge tube was observed. The emission line scale reading and colors were then recorded on table 1.1 which can be found below. These values where then put into an excel spreadsheet and graph was formed (table 1.2). An equation was then extrapolated from the data that would give the experimental wavelength (expt λ) values that will be used for later values. The trend line for table 1.2 was established to see the relationship between wavelength and scale readings.
Expt λ=a λ+b
Expt λ=7.1541 λ+ 343.12

TABLE 1.1 Helium Calibration λ (nm) | Scale Reading | Color | 667.8 | 45 | Red | 587.6 | 35 | Yellow | 501.6 | 22 | Green | 492.2 | 20 | Blue-green | 471.3 | 18 | Blue | 447.1 | 15 | Violet |

TABLE 1.2 Helium Calibration Graph

Then, by measuring and calculating the emission lines in the hydrogen line spectrum, the data on table 1.3 was collected. The calculated wavelength (Calc λ) was determined by the Balmer-Rydberg formula.
1λ=R(1m2-1n2)
R=Rydberg Constant=1.0968x107m-1

The percent error was then calculated by the following equation. error %=(calc λ-expt λ)calc λ
The experimental wavelength (expt λ) was determined with,
Expt λ=7.1541 λ+ 343.12

TABLE 1.3 Hydrogen Emission Scale Reading | Color | Expt λ | m | n | Calc λ | λ % error | | | | 1 | 2 | | | | | | 1 | 3 | | | | | | 1 | 4 | | | 45 | Red

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