Final answer:
A spectrometer in the lab typically uses a grating instead of a prism to disperse light into its component wavelengths, which allows for high-resolution spectral analysis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Instead of a prism, a spectrometer in the lab may use a device known as a grating to bend electromagnetic radiation and achieve the same effect of spreading out the spectrum. A grating consists of a material with thousands of fine grooves etched or embossed on its surface, which disperses light into its constituent wavelengths. While both gratings and prisms can be used to produce a spectrum, gratings are often preferred in modern spectrometry because they can provide higher spectral resolution, enabling scientists to observe finer spectral details. For example, they can distinctly separate the characteristic line spectrum of an element, which demonstrates its unique pattern of light emission. When passed through a grating, the light is dispersed like a prism, creating a spectrum that is vital for analyzing the properties of light from various sources such as stars or heated materials.