Build your own spectroscope (kids crafting activity) | Cambridge Festival 2021

Summary

In this tutorial, Asha demonstrates how to build a simple spectroscope using everyday materials like cardboard, a toilet paper core, a DVD or CD, and basic tools. The process involves creating a diffraction grating, assembling the spectroscope's tube, and carefully aligning components to observe light spectra. The tutorial highlights the scientific significance of spectroscopes in astronomy and everyday light analysis. Asha encourages viewers of all ages to participate, providing clear instructions for constructing the device and exploring light sources safely. The video concludes with an invitation to share spectroscope findings and learn from each other's observations.

Takeaways

• 😀 A spectroscope is a device that splits visible light into its component wavelengths, revealing details that are otherwise invisible to the naked eye.
• 😀 Spectroscopes are important in astronomy as they allow the analysis of light emitted by celestial bodies, providing insights into their chemical composition, age, and more.
• 😀 The tutorial demonstrates how to build a simple spectroscope using easily accessible materials like cardboard, a toilet paper core, and a DVD or CD disc.
• 😀 A key component of the spectroscope is the diffraction grating, which can be obtained by separating the layers of a DVD or by peeling the shiny coating off a CD.
• 😀 The tutorial provides detailed instructions for preparing the diffraction grating by cutting and separating the layers of a DVD or CD, depending on which material you use.
• 😀 Once the diffraction grating is ready, the next step is to construct the body of the spectroscope using cardboard, a toilet paper roll, and masking tape.
• 😀 To enhance the viewing experience, the inside of the toilet paper roll should be darkened with black masking tape to reduce reflections and improve image clarity.
• 😀 A narrow slit is cut into one of the cardboard ends of the tube, which is crucial for producing sharp spectral lines when observing light sources.
• 😀 A window for the diffraction grating is cut into the other cardboard end, allowing light to pass through and interact with the grating to form a spectrum.
• 😀 Once the spectroscope is assembled, it can be used to observe the spectra of various light sources around you, such as different types of lamps, by looking through the diffraction grating window.
• 😀 The tutorial encourages safe usage and reminds viewers not to look directly at the sun, but to instead observe the spectrum of sunlight reflected from a surface.
• 😀 After building the spectroscope, the viewer is encouraged to explore different light sources, noting and capturing the spectra to better understand the differences in light composition.

Q & A

What materials are needed to build the spectroscope?

You will need a piece of cardboard, a toilet paper core, a DVD or CD disc, black masking tape, cell tape, and tools like a ruler, scissors, a paper cutting knife, and a pencil.

Why is a DVD chosen over a CD for the spectroscope construction?

A DVD is chosen because it has a double-layered structure that is easier to separate and results in a flawless surface for the diffraction grating. It also provides a higher spectral resolution.

How is the diffraction grating created from a DVD?

To create the diffraction grating, you separate the shiny top layer of the DVD to reveal the bottom layer that contains the grooves. Then, you cut a small section of the disc for the grating.

What is the process of preparing a diffraction grating from a CD?

To prepare a diffraction grating from a CD, you scratch the surface to remove the shiny coating. Then, use tape to peel off sections of the coating, and repeat until enough of the grating is exposed to cut out a usable piece.

How should the toilet paper core be prepared for the spectroscope?

The inside of the toilet paper core should be covered with black masking tape to make it dark and non-reflective, ensuring a clear view of the spectrum.

Why is it important to create a precise slit in the spectroscope?

A precise and narrow slit is important because it provides a sharper image of the spectrum. The more accurate the slit, the crisper the spectral lines will appear.

What is the role of the diffraction grating in the spectroscope?

The diffraction grating splits incoming light into its component wavelengths, allowing you to observe the different colors that make up the light source.

What steps should be taken to ensure the defraction grating window is properly aligned?

Align the defraction grating window by pointing the slit toward a light source and adjusting the window until the correct spectrum appears when viewed through the grating.

What should you do once the spectroscope is assembled?

Once the spectroscope is assembled, you can start observing different light sources around your home or neighborhood. Use it to examine and capture the spectra of various lights.

What safety precautions should be taken while using the spectroscope?

Avoid looking directly at the sun with the spectroscope. It is safe to examine reflected sunlight from surfaces like metal but be cautious not to harm your eyes by exposing them to intense light sources.