Question

1 Explain how we use a spectrometer to help us determine what stars and planets are made of?

2 Compare the descriptions of spectrometer readings to the examples given on the lesson page.
3 Based on the description please fill in what atom we are examining with the spectrometer

a This spectrometer reading shows only yellow. Our atom is most likely ______________________.

b This spectrometer reading shows some red, blue, and purple. Our atom is most likely ______________________.

c This spectrometer reading shows some reds, orange, and yellow. Our atom is most likely ______________________.

d This spectrometer reading shows some red, yellow, and blue. Our atom is most likely ______________________.

This spectrometer reading shows some yellow, blue, and purple. Our atom is most likely ______________________.

Answer 1

02.09 Light: Fingerprint of Stars White Light White light is light that contains every color of the rainbow. Notice that every color is in white light’s emission spectrum. Hydrogen Hydrogen’s spectrum has some different shades of violet, some shades of blue and a red. Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe. Sodium Sodium’s spectrum contains two shades of yellow. Helium Helium is another very abundant element in the universe. Helium’s spectrum contains some different shades of blues, a yellow and a red. Neon Neon is the atom that is contained in a neon light. Can you see why a neon light looks orange? Mercury Mercury’s spectrum contains purple, blue, green and two shades of yellow.