Atomic Emission Lamp and Bulbs (Kari Kelly)

Kari Kelly, John F. Kennedy Senior High SchoolPrinciples

1. Electromagnetic Spectrum

2. Visible Light Spectrum and Atomic Emission

3. Atomic Theory and Bohr's Model of the Atom

Grades 9-12

Power Source

Colored Pencils or Markers (full rainbow)

Linear Diffraction Grading slides

Hydrogen, Oxygen, Water Vapor, gas bulbs

Procedure

1. Start with a very dark room.

2. Have students observe and color the continuous visible light spectrum.

3. Show students Hydrogen, have them sketch the line spectrum.

4. Repeat process with oxygen. Show the water as an unknown

5. Have students identify the unknown by comparing the line spectra from the two others.

Atomic emission is unique and identifiable.

Combinations of elements can be seen individually by their emission spectra.

If every color of light has its own unique energy, and every atom demonstrates a unique spectrum of colors, then atoms must have...

Everyday examples of the principles illustrated

Headlights and light bulb emission color. Sodium bulbs are yellowish and xenon bulbs are blueish.
Neon (noble gas) lights.
Photoelectric Effect.
The color (and age) of the sun.