Spectroscopy in Lage Lecture Hall III
Description: A fiber optic able is connected to a spectrometer and emission spectra are transmitted via projection. A camera captures the flame generated as part of the experiment simultaneously. The resulting wavelengths of light emitted are visualized in real time. Metal chlorides that transmit in the visible spectrum when heated are available for use. The experiment can also be used to display lamp spectra and incandescent light with clear colored materials, such as cellophane, LEDs, or glass. In these cases, no direct chemical reagents are necessary.
Source: Niece, B.K. Lourigan, G.A., Journal of Chemical Education
Year: 2006 Vol: 83, No. 5 Page: 761 – 763
Keywords: Emission, Atomic structure, Excited state, Visible light
Rating: 
Hazards: Medium
- Specific organ toxicity- single exposure – eyes
- Acute toxicity – oral, inhalation, skin
- Serious eye damage
- Acute aquatic toxicity
- Long-term aquatic toxicity
- Reproductive toxicity
- Flammable liquids in use
- Flammable gas – spontaneous combustion
- Flammable gas under pressure
- Burn hazard
- Asphyxiation hazard
- Electric shock hazard
Effectiveness: Good
- Good connection from demo to course material
- Time to results is low
- Results are clearly observable
- Contrast between behavior of systems is clear
- High reliability
Difficulty: High
- Use of flammable and toxic compounds
- Experiments in which data recording and display are necessary
- Demos which require training or extended practice to perform correctly
Safety Precautions:
- Eye protection required
- Gloves required
- PPE required
- Use of UL approved three-prong plug and outlet
- Use chemically resistant surface
- Perform in a well-ventilated area
- Avoid exposure of reagents to open flames
- Avoid exposure to dust, mists, and droplets
- ABC fire extinguisher on hand
- Absorbent materials on hand
- Minimum observation distance is two meters
Class: Spectroscopy, Atomic Structure
Division: Inorganic, General
Return to Inorganic Chemistry Demonstrations