Science project

Spectrometer Analysis and Burning Ion Solutions

Grade Level: 10th to 12th; Type: Physical Science/Chemistry

Objective:

In this experiment you will use a spectrometer to analyze the patterns of light emitted by burning ion solutions.

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Grade

High School

Subject

Science

Research Questions:

Why do different elements emit different patterns of light when burned?
Is it possible to identify an element by the pattern of light it emits when burned?
Fireworks come in a multitude of colors. Compare and contrast the creation of fireworks with the burning of elements. Are they the same or are they different?

Materials:

Bunsen burner (see safety precautions in references below)
5 splints of wood
Spectrometer (see directions for use in references below)
5 ion solutions: Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+, Cs+
An assistant

Experimental Procedure

Dab a splint of wood into an ion solution.
Have an assistant hold the splint of wood in the flame from the bunsen burner so that the ion solution burns.
While the ion solution burns, quickly use the spectrometer to analyze the colors emitted.
Repeat steps 1-3 with the other four ion solutions.

Terms/Concepts: spectrometer, ion, element, bunsen burner

References:

Bunsen Burner Safety Precautions: http://www.wpi.edu/offices/safety/bunsen.html
Usage of the Spectrometer: http://www.starlab.uk.com/Spectrometer/Spectrometer.htm

Ions: http://www.wisc-online.com/Objects/ViewObject.aspx?ID=gch3604

Author: Danielle Abadam

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Science project

Spectrometer Analysis and Burning Ion Solutions

Objective:

Research Questions:

Materials:

Experimental Procedure

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