DEPARMENT OF PHYSICS, UNIVERSITY OF COLOMBO

GENARAL PHYSICS LABORATORY 1

2016

GPL 119X
INTRODUCTION TO SPECTROMETER

Name - W.M.Y.Madushani

Group No - 34(B)

Register No -2015S15202

Partner’s name - H.K.Deshapriya

Date of the lab class - 30/03/2016(Wednesday)

Contents
1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 2

2. Theory ...................................................................................................................................... 5

3. Apparatus and accessories ...................................................................................................... 7

4. Procedure ................................................................................................................................ 8

5. Experimental data ................................................................................................................. 12

6. Final results ............................................................................................................................ 13

7. Discussion .............................................................................................................................. 14

8. Conclusion ............................................................................................................................... 16

9. References ............................................................................................................................... 17

10. Questions .............................................................................................................................. 18

11 Data analysis .......................................................................................................................... 19

12. Error analysis ......................................................................................................................... 24

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 1. INTRODUCTION

The spectrometer is an instrument for analyzing the spectra of radiations..Main focus of this
experiment is to be familiarized with an important and useful instrument, the spectrometer. This
practical helps to gain sufficient knowledge in the initial adjustments needed when this
instrument is used to take optical measurements. This experiment helps to become familiar with
diffracted grating, to measure the wave length s of yellow lines in the emission spectrum of
sodium and to observe the character of double slit diffraction.The instrument is typically used to
study the spectra and to measure refractive indices of materials.It has the following essential
parts.

Figure 1.1: A spectrometer

Collimator

The collimator consists of a horizontal tube with a converging lens at one end of the tube
and a vertical slit of adjustable width at the other end. The slit can be moved in or out of the
tube by the rack and pinion arrangement near it and its width can be adjusted by turning the
screw near it. The collimator is rigidly fixed to the main part of the spectrometer and can be
made exactly horizontally turning the screw below it. When properly focused, the slit lies in the
focal plane of the lens. Thus the collimator provides a parallel beam of light.

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Telescope

It is a small astronomical telescope with an objective lens and an eye piece. The eyepiece is
fitted with cross wires and slides in a tube, which carries the cross wires. The tube carrying the
cross wires, in turn, slides in another tube, which carries the cross objective. The distance
between the object and the cross wires can be adjusted by a rack and pinion arrangement near
it. The telescope can be made exactly horizontal by the screw near it. The telescope can be
rotated about the vertical axis of the instrument and may be fixed at a given position by means
of the clamp screw.

Prism Table

Prism table is a small circular table and capable of rotation about a vertical axis. It is
provided with three leveling screws. On the surface of the prism table, a set of parallel,
equidistant lines parallel to the line joining two of the leveling screws, is ruled. Also, a series of
concentric circles with the center of the table as their common center is ruled on the surface. A
screw attached to the axis of the prism table fixes it with the two verniers and also keep it at a
desired height. These two verniers rotate with the table over a circular scale graduated in
fraction of a degree. The angle of rotation of the prism table can be recorded by these two
verniers. A clamp and a fine adjustment screw are provided for the rotation of the prism table.
It should be noted that a fine adjustment screw functions only after the corresponding fixing
screw is tightened.

DIFFRACTION GRATING

Diffraction grating is an arrangement of identical, equally spaced diffracting elements.

Normally, it consists of a large number of parallel lines of equal width ruled on a glass. A grating

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produces the optical emission spectrum of a source in the form of a diffraction pattern.
Diffracting grating is an optical element which has a much higher resolving power than that of a
prism and hence is more suitable for resolving closely spaced spectral lines such as sodium
yellow lines in the production of optical spectra.

The diffraction grating spectrometer is a very precise measuring instrument, and it is still the
most commonly used device for measuring the wavelengths of spectral lines.

If parallel light of wavelength λ is incident normally on a grating, then the angle θ at which the
intensity of the transmitted light is a maximum is given by the grating equation

d sin (θ) = n λ, n = 1, 2, 3...

In the equation d is the spacing between the slits of the grating, and the integer n is the order
number. The grating spectrometer permits very precise determination of the angle θ. If the
grating spacing d is known, then λ can be calculated.

When n=0, θ should be zero for every value of λ causing no resolution of spectral lines. Since all
the wavelengths then overlap at θ=0, a direct image of the slit is seen through the telescope.

Note:

It is very advisable to use the diffraction grating with much more care, and very advisable not to
touch the diffracting surface. Also it’s better not to clean the grating as it can get easily
damaged.

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 2. THEORY

The sodium lamp given in this experiment is a discharge tube filled with sodium gas. The
electrons in the discharge current collide with gas atoms, exciting them to higher energy
levels which them decay to lower levels by emitting light.
In neutral atom a single valence electron is in the 3s subshell. This electron can be promoted
to higher energy levels such as 3p,3d,4p… and emit radiation as it makes allowed transitions
back to the ground state.
3p energy level is split in two energy states as 3p3/2 and 3p1/2, which gives two slightly
different emissions lines. The emitted radiation will consist of two different wavelength as
589.0nm and 589.6nm.

Figure 2.1: Energy level diagram of sodium atom showing transitions responsible for D-lines

A parallel beam of light passing through the diffraction grating and diffracted through a
direction making an angle θ is given by
dsinθ=nλ
d=the spacing of the grating
n=the order of diffraction (0,1,2,3…..)
θ=the angle of diffraction
λ=the wavelength

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 Figure 2.2: Diffraction of light when passed through a diffraction grating.

According to the grating equation the angle of diffraction θ varies with the value of n and λ.
At a fixed value of n, light should be diffracted according to the value of λ. When n=0, θ
should be zero for every value of λ causing no resolution of spectral lines. Since all the
wavelength then overlap at θ=00, a direct image of the slit is seen through the telescope.

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 3. Apparatus and Accessories

1. Spectrometer
2. Prism
3. Sodium lamp
4. Diffraction grating (600 lines/mm)
5. Diffraction grating holder
6. Power supply for the sodium lamp

Figure 3.1: A spectrometer

Figure 3.2 : Sodium lamp with power

supply

Figure 3.3 : Diffraction grating

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 4. PROCEDURE
a) Adjustment of the spectrometer for parallel light
“Schuster’s method” was used to focus the collimator and the telescope of a spectrometer for
parallel beam of light.

Schuster’s method

i. The telescope eyepiece was adjusted so that the cross hairs are in sharp focus.
ii. The slit of the collimator was illuminated with yellow sodium (Na) light.
iii. The prism was placed on the prism table with its center coinciding with the center of the
table. The prism table was rotated so that one of the refracting faces of the prism ABC was
directed towards the collimator and light from the collimator was incident on the face AB.
The refracted beam which was bent towards the base of the prism was looked through the
refracting face AC. The image of the slit formed by refraction of light was seen with the
naked eye through the prism.

Figure 4.1 : Top of the prism table

iv. The telescope was brought between the prism and the eye and it was moved slightly to the
left or right. Then the prism table was turned in the proper direction so that the image of
the slit was moved towards the directed path of the rags from the collimator and was
reached the position of minimum deviation .At this position of the prism, the image was
moved away from the directed path, of rays in whatever direction the prism table was
turned.
v. The telescope was turned to a position of about 6 degrees greater deviation.
vi. In that telescope position, there were two positions of the prism which was gave a blurred
image of the slit in the center of the eyepiece’s field view.

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 vii. The prism was turned to the position of these two where the light was fallen on the first
face more obliquely and the telescope was focused only to give the sharpest possible
image.
viii. Then the prism was rotated without moving the telescope to the second position at which
an image was appeared and only the collimator was focused at that time.
ix. The prism was rotated again to the first position and telescope was refocused, then rotated
to the second prism and the collimator was focused.
x. This process was continued until the focus was perfect for both positions.

b) Leveling the prism table

The prism table has three leveling screws P Q R at the corners of an equilateral triangle

i. The prism was placed on the prism table with vertex A at the center of the table
and then the side A B perpendicular to the line joining leveling screws P and Q

Figure 4.2 : Leveling screws and lines marked on the prism table

ii The prism table was rotated until the incident beam falls approximately
symmetrically at the side of A

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 iii The telescope was rotated to position T2 and the image was viewed of the slit,
adjusting either R or Q to bring the slit symmetrically on to the cross wires. That
was ensured that face A B is vertical . But face AC was not vertical.

Figure 4.3 : Field of view of the telescope showing the image of the slit symmetrically
placed on cross wires

Iv The telescope was turned to T2 position and the image was viewed. By adjusting R
only the image was brought as shown in above figure.

V The telescope was turned back to position T1 and the image position was checked.
The spectrometer table was then leveled.

c) Determine the wavelength of the sodium doublet

I The collimator and the telescope were adjusted for parallel light and the prism
table was leveled . Then telescope was moved until an image of the slit formed by
direct light from the collimator had seen symmetrically on the trust wires.

Ii The grating was mounted on the prism table with the help of the grating holder.
The lines of the grating were vertical to the prism table, and that the light from the
source had fallen normally on the grating. The cross wires was placed center on
the slit. The spectrometer reading corresponding to the straight through position
(T/S) of the telescope was recorded.

Iii The telescope was moved slowly form the straight through position to either side
and the highly intense sodium doublet on each side was looked. Closely spaced two
bright yellow lines was seen through the telescope.

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 Figure 4.4 : Sodium doublet lines

iv. The cross wires on to the each line of the doublet in the first and second order
diffraction patterns was brought and the positions of the telescope T1 and T2 on
either side of the straight through position was read. The readings were recorded.

v. The values of and for each line of 1st order and 2nd order diffraction
patterns was found. The average values of the angles of diffraction was calculated
for the two lines of the sodium doublet.

Vi The values of the wave length of each line with the necessary error calculations was
found by using the grating equation.

Figure 4.5: Experimental setup

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 5. Experimental Data

S-Straight through position

L-Reading on the left side vernier scale

R-Reading on the right side vernier scale

‘-Reading on the L.H.S. of the straight through position

‘’-Reading on the R.H.S.of the straight through position

Table 5.1: Straight through position of the telescope(TS)

Reading of the left side scale (TS)L Reading of the right side scale (TS)R
±30´´ ±30´´

90⁰ 55´ 270⁰ 40´

Table 5.2: Angular position of the sodium doublet on the L.H.S. of the straight –through position

Spectral line Reading of the left side scale Reading of the right side scale
±30´´ ±30´´
First line (T1)’L=70⁰ 34´ (T1)’R=250⁰ 32´
Second line (T2)’L=70⁰ 39´ (T2)’R=250⁰ 27´

Table 5.3: Angular position of the sodium doublet on the R.H.S. of the straight –through position

Spectral line Reading of the left side scale Reading of the right side scale
±30´´ ±30´´
First line (T1)’’L=110⁰ 48´ (T1)’’R=291⁰ 16´
Second line (T2)’’L=110⁰ 41´ (T2)’’R=291⁰ 21´

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 6. Final results

Table 6.1 :Final results

1st line of sodium doublet 2st line of sodium doublet

Angle of diffraction (θ) ± 0 0`21`` ± 0 0`20``

Wavelength (λ) (577.56 ± 0.18) nm (578.10 ± 0.18) nm

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 7. DISSCUSSION

In this experiment on spectrometer the end results from procedures are almost close
to the theoretical values .We were able to get full knowlwdge of how to work with
spectrometer. We must do the initial adjustment before any experiment of spectrometer. If we
can’t do this correctly it will affect the whole further experiment. So the initial adjustment is very
important.

Before performing the experiment , the spectrometer should be adjust properly. There are
some assumptions taken in this experiment such as the collimator and the telescope for
parallel beam of light has focused properly ,and prism table has leveled correctly.while
reading the position of the telescope it must always be fixed.For that, it is necessary to lock the
the telescope position using the screw.Also readings from both vernier scales should be taken to
better accuracy.

The grating rulings are should parallel to the slit and the plane of the grating should
perpendicular to the axis of the collimator. These factors can affect the accuracy of the
measured values.

When we use the diffraction grating, we shouldn’t touch or clean the surface of the grating
because it can easily get damaged. While taking observation , telescope and prism table
should kept fixed, because vibration may cause the grating to slip.

Also the slit should be as narrows as possible and it should be symmetrical on to the
cross wires. So it helps to get the accurate values for angle of diffraction.

There are some advantages and disadvantages of the experimental set up and procedures.
Schusters’s method was very successful in focusing the

collimator and the telescope for parallel beam of light. Also this method is very useful when
a distant object is unavailable for focus the telescope.

As advantages of this experiment are,two sodium doublets are hard to see,because they are close
to each other.If we able to use a high power spectrometer,that difficulty can be overcome.

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There are some ways to improve the accuracy. The precision of the experiment can be
improved by using higher intensity sources. Also greater accuracy can be obtained by
using an instrument that operates at a fixed wavelength in a fixed angle.

Also each readings can be taken more readings for second order diffraction (n=2) to increase
accuracy.

When looking through the telescope in some positions we can observe faint lines of
red,yellow,and green.

For getting parallel light we use monochromatic light with this monochromatic light there will
be only one pattern of alternative light .But if we use white light hence it’s collection of seven
colour so that it will be hard to manage to focus for one colour to carry out the practical.

So by reducing all the systematic random and human errors , maximum accurate
results can be obtained.

Figure 7.1 : wavelegths with spectrum

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 8. CONCLUSSION

Theoretical values and the measured values for the wavelengths ( λ ) of yellow lines in the
emission spectrum of Sodium are shown on below table

Sodium doublet Measured value of λ True value of λ

(λ ± 0.15) nm (nm)
1st line 577.56 589.00
2nd line 578.10 589.59

According to the above results the experimental results are closely tally with the
theoretical results. Therefore the experiment was carried out successfully and the expected
results were achieved.

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 9. REFERENCES

http://www.physics.smu.edu/~scalise/emmanual/diffraction/lab.html

https://www.pa.msu.edu/courses/2009summer/.../252pratcical2.pdf

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/spectrometer

https://unicorn.psuci.edu/249/Handouts/RWFsodium.pdf
https://publiclab.org/wiki/spectrometer-curriculum

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 10.Questions
1. It is possible to see a few other faint lines in the emission spectrum of sodium in
the vicinity of yellow doublet. What could they be due to? What could be a
possible cause for their low intensity?
Yes.we can observe a few fainted lines in the emission spectrum we observe these
lines due to the sodium D-lines.Because when the electrons excited to high states and
make transition back to the ground state they emit energy.When the emitted energy is
low there are faint lies with low intensity.
2. Would it be possible to see the sodium doublet spectral lines if you used a prism
instead of the grating? Why?
No,it is possible
Resolving power is the capacity of an instrument to resolve two points which are
close together.The gratings give better resolving power than the prisms in
spectrometry in instances where available source energy or available detector
sensitivity, and not diffraction blurring of spectrum detail,is shown to be because of
the grater dispersion of gratings.
3. In above experiment with the grating, what would you expect to see if the slit
was illuminated with a white light source instead of the sodium lamp?
White light source which it contains a mixure of wavelengths.So if a white light is
used in that experiment the different colours will be split up on the viewing screen
according to their wavelengths.
Sodium emits monochromic light which only have two close wavelengths of
light.because of that we only observe yellow doublet colour.

Figure 10.1 :diffraction-grating-with-monochromatic-light-vs-white-light

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 APPENDIX 1

11. Data Analysis

Minimum reading of the spectrometer

The smallest main scale division = 0.5°

One vernier scale division (in degrees) = =

Minimum reading of the instrument = 0.5° - = = 1`

 For the first line

I. For the first line on the L.H.S. of the straight -through position, angle of diffraction, from
the left side scale readings

(θ1)’L = |(T1)’L – (TS)L|

(θ1)’L = |70⁰ 34´ - 90⁰ 55´ |

(θ1)’L =20 ° 21 '

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 II. For the first line on the L.H.S. of the straight- through position, angle of diffraction, from
the right side scale readings

(θ1)’R = |(T1)’R – (TS)R|

(θ1)’R = | 250⁰ 32´- 270⁰ 40´|

(θ1)’R= 20° 8 '

III. For the first line on the L.H.S. of the straight -through position, the average value of the
angle of diffraction

20⁰ 14´ 30´´

IV. For the first line on the R.H.S. of the straight -through position, angle of diffraction, from
the left side scale readings

(θ1)’’L= |(T1)’’L – (TS)L|

(θ1)’’L = | 110⁰ 46´- 90⁰ 55´ |

(θ1)’’L = 19° 51' 00´´

V. For the first line on the R.H.S. of the straight- through position, angle of diffraction, from
the right side scale readings

(θ1)’’R = |(T1)’’R – (TS)R|

(θ1)’’R = | 291⁰ 16´- 270⁰ 40´ |

(θ1)’’R= 20° 36' 00´´

VI. For the first line on the R.H.S. of the straight -through position, the average value of the
angle of diffraction

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 30´´

VII. Average value of the angle of diffraction (θ1) for the first line of the sodium doublet

00´´

VIII. Wavelength(in nanometers) of the first line of the sodium doublet (λ1)using the grating
equation

d sin(θ1) = n λ1

(Where n=1 for the first order in diffraction)

(Where d=(1/600)*10-3m=1.67×10-6 nm, 600 line mm)

λ1 = sin( ) x 1.67×10-6m

λ1 = 577.56nm

 For the second line

IX. For the second line on the L.H.S. of the straight -through position, angle of diffraction,
from the left side scale readings

(θ2)’L = |(T2)’L – (TS)L|

(θ2)’L = | 70⁰ 39´ -90⁰ 55´ |

(θ2)’L = 20° 16'

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 X. For the second line on the L.H.S. of the straight- through position, angle of diffraction,
from the right side scale readings

(θ2)’R = |(T2)’R – (TS)R|

(θ2)’R = | 250⁰ 27´ -270⁰ 40´ |

(θ2)’R= 20° 13'

XI. For the second line on the L.H.S. of the straight -through position, the average value of
the angle of diffraction

20° 14' 30´´

XII. For the second line on the R.H.S. of the straight -through position, angle of diffraction,
from the left side scale readings

(θ2)’’L= |(T2)’’L – (TS)L|

(θ2)’’L = |110° 48' - 90° 55' |

(θ2)’’L =19° 53'

XIII. For the second line on the R.H.S. of the straight- through position, angle of diffraction,
from the right side scale readings

(θ2)’’R = |(T2)’’R – (TS)R|

(θ2)’’R = |291° 21' -270° 40' |

(θ2)’’R= 20° 41'

XIV. For the second line on the R.H.S. of the straight -through position, the average value of
the angle of diffraction

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 20° 17' 00´´

XV. Average value of the angle of diffraction (θ2) for the second line of the sodium doublet

20° 15´ 45´´

XVI. Wavelength(in nanometers) of the second line of the sodium doublet (λ2)using the grating
equation

d sin(θ2) = n λ2

(where n=1 for the first order in diffraction)

(Where d=(1/600)*10-3m=1.67×10-6 nm, 600 line mm)

λ2 = sin(20° 15´ 45´´) x 1.67×10-6m

λ2 = 578.35nm

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 APPENDIX 11

12.Error Analysis
 Error analysis for when subtracting measurements(θ1)’L , (θ1)’R , (θ1)’’L , (θ1)’’R , (θ2)’L ,
(θ2)’R , (θ2)’’L and (θ2)’’R

In spectrometer, we measured

θ = |T-TS |

(δθ)2 = ( ) δT)2 + ( ) (δTS)2

(δθ)2 = (δT)2 + (δTS)2

In spectrometer,
δT = δTS = 0.5’=30’’
(δθ)2 = 2(δT)2
δθ = √ (δT)

δθ = √ (0.5 )
= 0.7’
= 42´´

 Error analysis for when taking averages δ(θ1)’L = δ (θ1)’R = δ(θ1)’’L = δ(θ1)’’R = δ(θ2)’L=
δ(θ2)’R = δ(θ2)’’L = δ(θ2)’’R = δ ̅

̅ =

̅ ̅
(δ ̅ )2 = ( ) (δθ’)2 + ( ) (δθ”)2

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 ̅ ̅
( ) = ( ) =( )

(δ ̅ )2 = ( ) (δθ’)2 + ( ) (δθ”)2

(δθ’) = (δθ”) = 42’’

δ(θ1)’L = δ (θ1)’R = δ(θ1)’’L = δ(θ1)’’R = δ(θ2)’L= δ(θ2)’R = δ(θ2)’’L = δ(θ2)’’R = δ ̅

So, (δ ̅ )2 = ( ) (δθ’)2 + ( ) (δθ’’)2

(δ ̅ )2 = ( ) (δθ’)2 × 2

(δ ̅ ) = (δθ’)
√

= √

 Error of θ1 and θ2 (When taking final angle for first or second line of the sodium doublet)

̿ =

̿ ̿
(δ ̿ )2 = ( ) (δθ’)2 + ( ) (δθ”)2

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 ̿ ̿
( ) = ( ) =( )

(δ ̿ )2 = ( ) (δθ’)2 + ( ) (δθ”)2

(δθ’) = (δθ”) = 30’’

So, (δ ̿ )2 = ( ) (δθ’)2 + ( ) (δθ’’)2

(δ ̿ )2 = ( ) (δθ’)2 × 2

(δ ̿ ) = (δθ’)
√

=
√

 Error of λ1 (Wave length of the first line of the sodium doublet)

nλ = d sin(θ) (where n =1)

( )

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 δλ = d cos(θ) δθ

0°0`21`` = 1.02*10-4 rad

δλ = (1/600)*10-3 cos( ) 1.02*10-4

δλ = ± 0.18 nm

 Error of λ2 (Wave length of the second line of the sodium doublet)

nλ = d sin(θ) (where n =1)

( )

δλ = d cos(θ) δθ

0°0`21`` = 1.02*10-4 rad

δλ = (1/600)*10-3 cos( ) 1.02*10-4

δλ = ± 0.18 nm

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