Quantization of Energy Lab Report
Instructions: For this investigative phenomenon, you will need to determine the composition of
the new star using a spectrometer. This will help scientists determine the star's approximate age.
You will complete Part I and Part II trials of the experiment. Record your observations and test
measurements in the lab report below. You will submit your completed report.
Title:
Quantization of Energy
Objective(s):
To determine the composition of a new star.
Observe the line spectrum displayed by elements when they are heated.
Hypothesis:
Make a prediction that describes the relationship between the composition of an unknown
substance and its emission spectrum. For example, “If each element can be identified by its
______________, then the ____________ of an unknown star can be determined."
I predict that each element will produce a different color identified, which we can then use to
determine the makeup of the unknown star.
Procedure:
Part 1:
1. First, observe each of the elements given in the flame of the Bunsen burner.
2. Then, clean the platinum wire and drag it into the test tube that is filled with hydrochloric
acid.
3. Next, heat the wire using the hottest part of the flame until no color shows.
4. Then, drag the platinum wire into the beaker with one of the known solutions in it.
5. Next, heat the platinum wire by dragging it into the hottest part of the flame.
6. Finally, observe the color that is shown in the flame and record the color description of
the flame
7. Repeat these steps with all known elements being used in the experiment.
Part 2:
1. Use the spectroscope to observe the color of the flame for each of the given
elements. You should be able to see the individual lines making up the light
emitted from the heated gases. It may be necessary to move the spectroscope
around until you see the emission lines.
2. Record the colors and wavelength values of the elements' emission line in your
data table.
3. 3. Use the spectroscope to observe the light emitted from a star. Record the color
and wavelength values of the brightest lines in the spectrum.
Materials:
Lighter
Gas
Bunsen burner
Goggles (if lab is not virtual)
Wooden splints
Elements (sodium, calcium, barium, rubidium, potassium, lithium
Variables:
Remember, controlled variables are factors that remain the same throughout the
experiment. An independent (test) variable changes so that the experimenter can see the
effect on other variables. The dependent (outcome) variable will change in response to
the test variable.
Controlled variables:
The fire
Hydrochloric Acid
Platinum wire
the spectroscope
Independent variable:
Known elements.
Dependent variable:
Unknown elements
Data:
Type the results of your tests in the data table below. The saved results of your measurements
can also be found by selecting the data table button within the virtual lab. Don't forget to record
measurements with accuracy, precision, and appropriate significant figures.
Part I: Flame Tests
Part II: Spectrometry
Known Elements
Star Composition
Line in Star Spectrum Color Wavelength
1 Purple 410nm
2 Purple 415nm
3 Blue 435nm
4 Green 500nm
5 Yellow 550nm
6 Yellow 580nm
7 Red 690nm
8 Red 705nm
Conclusion
Write a conclusion statement that addresses the following questions:
Based on your data, which unknown elements make up this star?
The star is composed of hydrogen, helium, Sodium, neon, and mercury.
Do your data support or fails to support your hypothesis (include examples)?
My data supports my hypothesis because each element produced a different color; barium, for
example, produced green, which helped us determine the star's makeup.
How do you think the investigation can be explored further?
The experiment could be further explored by testing more elements and having some other flames
to see what colors they would emit through a prism.
Post-Lab Reflection Questions
Answer the reflection questions using what you have learned from the lesson and your
experimental data. It will be helpful to refer to your chemistry journal notes. Answer questions in
complete sentences.
1. In Parts I and II of the lab, what happened to the electrons of each element to produce the
different colors of light? Explain your answers using important terms from the lesson and
information provided in the laboratory.
Electrons must be heated to emit light. When heat is added to the elements, the electrons
absorb the energy and move to their excited state. Once the electron starts to fall back to a
lower orbit, it emits energy in the form of light. The different rays being emitted depend
on their wavelength.
2. Stars composed of heavier (more massive) elements are often slightly older than stars
made predominantly from hydrogen and helium. Based on your data, is the newly
discovered star a younger star? Explain your answer.
A newly discovered star is a younger star because the composition of the newly
discovered star is Hydrogen, Lithium, Neon, Sodium, and Mercury. And also further
consists of hydrogen and helium, which the old stars are not made up of, as they are
heavier than the newer stars. And by considering that fact, it can be stated that the new
star is a young star.
