Spectroscopy in Large Lecture Halls
Description: Gas discharge tubes are activated by a high-voltage source. The emitted light is viewed through diffraction grating by students. Line spectra can be seen for hydrogen, helium, mercury, and neon.
Source: Journal of Chemical Education
Year: 1988 Vol: 65 Page: 266
Keywords: Discharge lamp, Diffraction, Hydrogen, Helium, Mercury, Neon, Emission spectra
Rating: 
Hazard: Low
- Electrical shock hazard
- Breakage hazard
Effectiveness: Good
- Results are observable with guidance
- Good connection from demo to course material
- Good reliability
- Moderate failure rate
- Time to results is low
- Mild effects are seen by audience
Difficulty: Medium
- Accurate alignment required
- Demos in which objects are passed out to students
- Simple procedures
- Careful handling of lamps required
Safety Precautions:
- Use of UL approved three-prong plug and outlet
- Gloves required when handling glass
Class: Atomic Structure, Spectroscopy, Quantum Mechanics, Atomic Emission
Division: General Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry
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