The Visual Spectrum
Students explore the visual spectrumCopyright D-Kuru. Wikimedia Commons http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Light_dispersion_of_a_mercury-vapor_lamp_with_a_flint_glass_prism_IPNr%C2%B00125.jpg
Students make simple spectroscopes (prisms) to look at different light sources. The spectroscopes allow students to see differing spectral distributions of different light sources. Students also shine a light source through different materials with varying properties and compare the differences.
Engineers design many devices that use different types of electromagnetic waves, including x-rays, microwaves and radio waves. Although they may not realize it, students interact with many of these waves and their applications on a daily basis. Lighting engineers focus on the visible spectrum of electromagnetic waves, and design creative lighting systems for both small and large applications.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Explain that "white" light is actually made up of many different colors of the visual spectrum.
- Explain how a diffraction grating works.