Diffraction: Temperature of Light Sources
As part of a HyperCard stack, a series of digitized photos taken through a diffraction grating illustrate how the spectrum of a light source depends on the temperature of the light source. The equipment? Students need an inexpensive replica diffraction grating, a camera, and a tripod. The motivation? Students don't need spectroscopes, just a dark room and a wave model for light. Measurements? With a meter stick, the students can measure two sides of a triangle: 1. the distance between the diffraction grating and the light source and 2. the distance between the light source and the desired spectral lines. The results? The wavelength can be calculated to three significant figures.
(actual view of HyperCard application below)
Published by the...
Physics and Chemistry Departments
Carson City-Crystal High School
Carson City, Michigan 48811
E-mail any questions to...
CEPeirce@aol.com
517 584 6312