Amateur’s spectrometer: measuring wavelengths

• Main Authors: Francisco Catelli, Odilon Giovannini, Suzana França de Oliveira
• Format: Article
• Language: Spanish
• Published: Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC) 2017-12-01
• Series: Caderno Brasileiro de Ensino de Física
• Subjects: óptica física; espectrômetro amador; atividades investigativas
• Online Access: https://periodicos.ufsc.br/index.php/fisica/article/view/51259

This work describes, systematically, the construction of a spectrometer based on readily available materials and easy handling. The physics involved, wave optics, is historically contextualized briefly; the principle of Huygens is also presented. Next, the construction of the spectrometer is detailed; the images of some emission spectra are presented. Finally, some of the possible exploitations are suggested; and the conclusion points to two aspects in particular. At first, the construction of the device can give occasion for a motivating theoretical and practical activity. The second aspect highlights the potential of the research activity, including emission and absorption spectra that opens to students, thereby providing great motivating learning environments.