Atomic Line Spectra Lab Simulation

The Atomic Line Spectra Lab Simulation aligns to the PhET Neon Lights and Other Discharge Lamps Simulation on the University of Colorado PhET Website.

It serves to reinforce the basics of electron excitation and photon emission by modeling the excitation of individual atoms and measuring the energy of the released photon. Students will fire electrons at an atom using the simulator, take note of the color photon produced, and use the virtual spectrometer to determine the visibility of the photon.

Students will compare their results for two elements (hydrogen and sodium) to actual discharge lamps to determine if their results mirror real-world phenomena.

Grading suggestions and reminders for complete sentences and accurate grammar are included in the section directions. Questions are numbered and directions lettered to allow for easier independent completion.

Students should have an understanding of a ground state and excited electron prior to completing this simulation. Furthermore, it is a lab to reinforce concepts.