Spectroscope
Definition
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A spectroscope is an instrument used to study light by splitting it into its component colors (spectrum).
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It shows how different materials emit or absorb light.
How Does it Work?
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Light enters through a narrow slit.
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It passes through a prism or diffraction grating that splits it into colors.
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The colors form a spectrum which can be observed through an eyepiece.
Types of Spectra
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Continuous Spectrum – Rainbow-like (e.g., sunlight).
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Line Spectrum – Specific colored lines (e.g., gases like hydrogen).
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Absorption Spectrum – Dark lines in rainbow (used in studying stars).
Uses of Spectroscope
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Identifying elements in stars (astronomy).
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Checking purity of materials.
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Analyzing chemical composition in laboratories.
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Used in forensic science to study unknown substances.
