What is a Spectrum?

Three kinds of Spectra

1. A Continuous Spectrum  (The Spectrum of Visible light)


The visible spectrum is continuous.  It ranges from blue to red light.

 



2.  An Absorption Spectrum (Absorption Spectrum for Hydrogen gas)

3.  An Emission Spectrum.  (Line Spectrum for Hydrogen gas)

The visible hydrogen spectrum is composed of discrete lines. Shown are the colors of the photons
in the visible region that are emitted by excited hydrogen atoms.


 

Read This Website

How to Use a Spectroscope
Your teacher will show you how to use the Spectroscope and Gas Emission Tubes

Sources of light in your classroom  (Things that emit light)
 
1.  Incandescent bulb
2.  Flourescent light
3.  Gas Spectrum tubes
4.   Flame

The Spectrum from other sources of light   Click here and look at 3 different Spectra.


Additional Resources  - Browse these webpage for more information about light and Spectra

Gases that Emit Light

A Spectroscope Activity

Light and its Properties