ERIC Number: EJ1002749
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012-Sep
Pages: 5
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0031-9120
EISSN: N/A
Teaching Diffraction with Hands-On Optical Spectrometry
Fischer, Robert
Physics Education, v47 n5 p603-607 Sep 2012
Although the observation of optical spectra is common practice in physics classes, students are usually limited to a passive, qualitative observation of nice colours. This paper discusses a diffraction-based spectrometer that allows students to take quantitative measurements of spectral bands. Students can build it within minutes from generic low-cost materials. The spectrometer's simple, didactic design allows students to fully comprehend the underlying physical concepts and to engage in a discussion of measurement errors and uncertainties. (Contains 4 figures.)
Descriptors: Science Activities, Spectroscopy, Science Instruction, Optics, Teaching Methods, Physics, Measurement, Hands on Science, Secondary School Science
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A