Amateur’s spectrometer: measuring wavelengths

Abstract

This work describes, systematically, the construction of a spectrometer based on readily available materials and easy handling. The physics involved, wave optics, is historically contextualized briefly; the principle of Huygens is also presented. Next, the construction of the spectrometer is detailed; the images of some emission spectra are presented. Finally, some of the possible exploitations are suggested; and the conclusion points to two aspects in particular. At first, the construction of the device can give occasion for a motivating theoretical and practical activity. The second aspect highlights the potential of the research activity, including emission and absorption spectra that opens to students, thereby providing great motivating learning environments.

Keywords

• óptica física
• espectrômetro amador
• atividades investigativas