1 why is it necessary to calibrate the spectroscope

1. Why is it necessary to calibrate the spectroscope?
2. Explain how the spectroscope will be calibrated.
3. What is the connection between the flame tests in Activity 1 and fireworks? List 4 metals used
in fireworks and state the color they produce.

Data and Observations
Due on Canvas before your next in-person lab period (October 12th - 16th)
Record all data using the significant figures allowed by the measuring device. Calculate each
requested result, showing ALL CALCULATIONS and reporting each result with the correct
number of significant figures and units.
Activity 1: The Emission Spectra of Metal Salts
Salt Flame Color
Potassium Chloride (KCl) Pink
Barium Chloride (BaCl
2
) Yellow
Calcium Chloride (CaCl
2
) Orange
Strontium Chloride (SrCl
2
) Red
Lithium Chloride (LiCl) Red
Sodium Chloride (NaCl) Yellow
Copper Chloride (CuCl
2
) Green
Activity 2: Viewing Emission Line Spectra
Substance: Mercury
Describe the appearance of the spectrum (# of lines, colors, width of the lines, sharpness, etc.)
9
Lab 3 Emission Spectroscopy Remote Version

that is not very bright but still noticeable on the spectrum. The yellow, green, and purple lines are
wide and sharp in color. The purple line seems to measure to about 4.51 nanometers with a width
of approximately 0.03 nanometers. The blue line is at 5.08 nanometers and has a width of about
0.02 nanometers. The green line measures to 5.6 nanometers and has a width of 0.09
nanometers. The yellow line measures to 5.9 nanometers and has a width of about 0.1
nanometer.
Substance: Krypton
Describe the appearance of the spectrum (# of lines, colors, width of the lines, sharpness, etc.)
Activity 3: The Helium Spectrum and Spectroscope Calibration
Description of the helium spectrum
10
Lab 3 Emission Spectroscopy Remote Version