Chapter U5.116, Problem 2E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

A sketch of a spectrometer needs to be drawn.

Concept introduction:

A spectrometer is a scientific device used to measure and separate spectral parts of a physical phenomenon.

Explanation of Solution

The sketch of a simple spectrometer is as follows:

A spectrometer is an apparatus or device which is used to determine the electromagnetic radiation’s wavelengths by interacting with an object. Incident light might be absorbed by, reflected off, or communicated by the object. During the communication with an object, the change of incident light is characteristic of the object. A spectrometer is used to measure this change at a precise wavelength.

A spectrometer comprises of below three main components:

• Source of light
• Optics to deliver as well as gather the light
• A detector

Spectrometer can determine the atmospheric structure by examining the wavelengths of sunlight absorbed by a provided part of atmosphere. Once light goes through the gas such as methane or oxygen, some of the wavelengths are absorbed by the gas. This is displayed as different colors depending on the properties of gases.