It's no mystery that every gas has an emission spectrum. Scholars use a spectrograph to look at the emission spectra of nitrogen, oxygen, air, and other gases in gas discharge tubes. They use their results to determine the identity of a mystery gas.

Concepts

spectra, the emission spectra, spectral composition, gases

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Set up learning stations for groups to look at the gas emission spectra
  

Classroom Considerations

• Completion of the lessons "Building a Fancy Spectrograph" and "Using a Fancy Spectrograph" is a prerequisite
• The activity requires a power supply for spectrum tubes and an assortment of gas discharge tubes
  

Pros

• Gives suggestions for assessment at various stages of the lesson
• Provides student handouts, including a data recording sheet
  

Cons

• None