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PPhysicsChemistryS5 to S6Atomic physics
Atomic physics lab: energy levels and spectra
Every element has its own fingerprint of coloured lines. Discover how electrons jumping between energy levels make the light of stars and street lamps.
LevelS5 to S6 (and A Level)
TimeAbout 35 min
You useE = hf, λ = hc ÷ E, eV
PriceFree: no account
🎯 Aim
To investigate the energy levels of hydrogen and the emission spectrum they produce.
You will learn to
- Describe the Bohr model and energy levels.
- Calculate photon energy and wavelength.
- Explain line spectra.
- Describe the quark structure of protons and neutrons.
🧭 What to do
- Choose a jump, for example from level 3 to level 2. Tap Let the electron jump down.
- Read the photon energy and wavelength.
- Make all the jumps to level 2 and look at your spectrum.
- Try jumps to level 1 and level 3: why are they not visible?
- Answer the questions with the class data.
- Write your conclusion and download your lab report.
📋 The data
The visible lines of hydrogen (Balmer series).
🧠 Investigate: answer from the data
Type your answer and tap Check. Use 💡 Hint first; open the method only when you are stuck.
➕ Get more from this experiment
📝 Free
Print the worksheet (button above), download the data, and save your report. Teachers can project this page in class.
📦 Premium Lab Pack
1 000 RWF
- Practical worksheet: see spectra with a CD spectroscope
- Atomic physics problems
- Teacher guide and answer key
- Exam-style questions with marking scheme
👩🏫 For teachers
Use it as a practical when apparatus is missing, as homework, or as a project. Free lesson plans help you plan, teach and assess.
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