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Instructions: For this investigative phenomenon, you will need to determine the composition of
the new star using a spectrometer. This will help scientists determine the star's approximate age.
You will complete Part I and Part II trials of the experiment. Record your observations and test
measurements in the lab report below. You will submit your completed report.
Objective(s): We want to find out what is the age of the newly discovered star.
Hypothesis:
If the star has more hydrogen than anything else then it will be an older star.
Procedure:
Check the color of the flame when added each element, then for the second lab check the color
of flame and the nitro meter measurement.
Materials:
Variables:
Remember, controlled variables are factors that remain the same throughout the
experiment. An independent (test) variable changes so that the experimenter can see the
effect on other variables. The dependent (outcome) variable will change in response to
the test variable.
Summary of Steps:
Data:
Type the results of your tests in the data table below. The saved results of your measurements
can also be found by selecting the data table button within the virtual lab. Don't forget to record
measurements with accuracy, precision, and appropriate significant figures.
Known Elements
Spectrum Hydrogen Helium Sodium Neon Mercury
Line
1 dark purple: blue: 445nm light yellow: blue: 420nm blue: 430nm
410nm 580nm
Star Composition
2 purple 429nm
3 blue 479nm
4 teal 505nm
5 green 550nm
6 green 550nm
7 yellow 575nm
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
Conclusion
Yes because hydrogen and neon are red flames and the star emitted red waves. Which you
can see because in the data the higher wave lengths are red.
Repeat the same experiment but with others scientist to compare the results. Try to
test different elements and see their colors and wave lengths we still have a lot more
elements to test.
Answer the reflection questions using what you have learned from the lesson and your
experimental data. It will be helpful to refer to your chemistry journal notes. Answer questions in
complete sentences.
1. In Parts I and II of the lab, what happened to the electrons of each element to produce the
different colors of light? Explain your answers using important terms from the lesson and
information provided in the laboratory.
In the part one the electrons were the colors of the flames but in part 2the color was
the frequencies and waves.
2. Stars composed of heavier (more massive) elements are often slightly older than stars
made predominantly from hydrogen and helium. Based on your data, is the newly
discovered star a younger star? Explain your answer.
Star is older because it has many amounts of hydrogen that are visible.