Higher Physics

Particles and Waves - Activity 4

Comparison of white light spectra

Aim - To compare the spectra produced when the light passes through (a) a prism and (b) a grating     Instructions 
  • Observe the spectrum produced when white light is refracted through the prism.
  • List the colours in order, from the one that is deviated the most to the one that is deviated least.
  • Observe the pattern produced when white light passes through the grating.
  • Note the colour of the central (zero order) maximum and the order of the colours in the other maxima produced.
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