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MSC_EinsteinLightDiffraction.flv
MSC_EinsteinLightDiffraction_x264.mp4

This podcast is part of the series: Einstein Demonstrations

McWane Science Center

School/Organization:

McWane Science Center

Overview:

This demonstration exhibits light’s wave-like characteristics. This is half of light’s duality; the other half being light’s particle-like characteristics. Using diffraction gratings we can compare the visible parts of atomic spectra for different elements. A diffraction grating consists of a large number of equally spaced parallel slits. These slits bend light differently according to wavelength. Incandescent lights work by heating a solid piece of tungsten wire. This heating of a solid produces a variety of wavelengths, giving an impressive spread of colors when viewed with a diffraction grating. Since the other lamps are single gaseous elements, they emit only a few wavelengths of light, their individual atomic spectra.

Length: 03:36

Content Areas: Science

Alabama Course of Study Alignments and/or Professional Development Standard Alignments:

[S1] (4) 3: Recognize how light interacts with transparent, translucent, and opaque materials.
[S1] (5) 5: Contrast ways in which light rays are bent by concave and convex lenses.
[S1] (8) 12: Classify waves as mechanical or electromagnetic.