What Is a Spectroscope?

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Introduction
In this two part lab we are to build a spectroscope from parts included with our lab kit to visualize and analyze the spectra of several light sources. In the second part of the lab we are to build a pinhole viewer. We are to then take the pinhole viewer and measure the diameter of the sun and moon. After completing both parts of the lab, there are several questions that need addressing. This paper examines and answers those questions.
Spectroscope
To understand this week’s experiment one must first understand what a spectroscope is and what it does. With this understanding in hand, one would gain a deeper appreciation for this lab and its intended lesson. “A spectroscope is a device that measures the spectrum of light” (Ball, 2014). More specifically a spectroscope is an instrument designed to split light from different sources into wavelengths. Humans are able to see these wavelengths as different colors. Noting the difference in colors between various light sources, those studying a given light source can identify elements of the light source.
Using its prismatic effect, the spectroscope splits light into colors humans can see. these light sources produce different wavelengths which in turn produce different colors. this is how the human eye differs light sources and any potential elements of the source. Knowing human see the wavelengths as colors, then knowing which wavelengths produce which colors is the next logical step.
To the human eye, the spectroscope produces wavelengths seen as various colors. The shortest wavelength humans can see appears as violet or purple ot the human eye. The longest wavelength humans can see is red. As the colors change from violet to red through the spectroscope,...

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...a spectroscope from parts included with my lab kit to visualize and analyze the spectra of several light sources. In the second part of the lab I was to build a pinhole viewer. I was to then take the pinhole viewer and measure the diameter of the sun and moon. After completing both parts of the lab, there were several questions that need addressing. This paper examined and answered those questions.

References
Ball, D. (2014). Spectrometer, Spectroscope, and Spectrograph. Retrieved from http://spie.org/x32350.xml
Cain, F. (2008). Diameter of the moon. Retrieved from http://www.universetoday.com/19677/diameter-of-the-moon/
Sharp, T. (2012). How big is the sun? Retrieved from http://www.space.com/17001-how-big-is-the-sun-size-of-the-sun.html
Sharp, T. (2012). How far is earth from the sun? Retrieved from http://www.space.com/17081-how-far-is-earth-from-the-sun.html

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