1.6.10

Application of Diffraction Gratings

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Applications of Diffraction Gratings

Diffraction gratings are very useful for physicists.

Analysing light

Analysing light

  • Diffraction gratings can be used to separate wavelengths in light from different substances, producing emission spectra.
  • The wavelengths present can help us learn new things about the substance being tested.
Atomic spacing in crystals

Atomic spacing in crystals

  • Atoms in a crystal can act like a diffraction grating, with little gaps for light to pass through.
  • We can find the spacing between the atoms in the crystal by looking at how X-rays diffract through the crystal.

Emission Spectra

Electrons in atoms can only move between discrete energy levels. So an atom can only absorb or emit photons with particular frequencies (or wavelengths).

Excited gas

Excited gas

  • An excited gas contains atoms in excited energy states.
  • These excited atoms contain electrons in high energy levels.
  • As these electrons de-excite and fall back to lower energy levels, photons are emitted.
Photon emission

Photon emission

  • These photons carry away energy from the atoms.
  • The amount of energy (and so what frequency) the photons have depends on the difference in energy levels in the atom.
    • For every possible electron transition, there will be a unique frequency photon emitted.
  • We see a series of bright lines when we pass the emitted light through a prism or diffraction grating.
Identify gases

Identify gases

  • Emission spectra are unique to each type of atom.
  • We can use emission spectra to identify gases in a sample by comparing its emission spectra to those of known elements and compounds.
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Principles of Science I

1.1

Structure & Bonding

1.2

Properties of Substances

1.3

Cell Structure & Function

1.4

Cell Specialisation

1.5

Tissue Structure & Function

1.6

Working with Waves

1.7

Waves in Communication

2

Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques

3

Science Investigation Skills

4

Principles of Science II

4.1

Extracting Elements

4.2

Relating Properties to use of Substances

4.3

Organic Chemistry

4.4

Energy Changes in Industry

4.5

The Circulatory System

4.6

Ventilation & Gas Exchange

4.7

Urinary System

4.8

Cell Transport

4.9

Thermal Physics

4.10

Materials

4.11

Fluids

5

Contemporary Issues in Science

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