PASCO SE-9357 EDUCATIONAL DIFFRACTION GRATING - Manual

Instruction Sheet
for the PASCO
Model SE-9357
EDUCATIONAL DIFFRACTION GRATING
012-03440B
3/92
Introduction
The side by side diffraction gratings on this slide make
it easy to investigate diffraction patterns and the
relationship between line spacing and angle of diffrac-
tion.
Suggested Uses of the SE-9357 Educational
Diffraction Grating:
➀
Look at various light sources through the gratings
and examine the spectra. Which colors of light are
diffracted to the greatest angles? How does the
shape and orientation of the light source effect the
pattern?
➁ Using a line-filament light source, compare the dif-
fraction patterns produced by the three gratings. By
looking through two gratings at once (centering
your eye on the division), you can directly compare
two patterns. How does the angle of diffraction
vary with the line spacing of the grating? Repeat
the observation with a color filter between the light
source and the grating.
➂
Examine the spectra of various spectral light
sources. Show your students how an element can be
“fingerprinted”, allowing scientists to analyze the
composition of unknown materials, and even to de-
termine the composition of stars.
➧ IMPORTANT: To avoid scratching or soiling
the surfaces of the gratings, hold the slide only
by its edges.
➦
NOTE: The blaze wavelength of the gratings,
i.e., the wavelength at which they work most
efficiently, is 500 nm (5000 ).
100
lines/mm
300
lines/mm
600
lines/mm
EDUCATIONAL DIFFRACTION GRATING
A
o