Physics307L:People/Ierides/The Balmer Series Formal Lab Report: Difference between revisions
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[[Image:Physics_307L_Balmer_prism.JPG|250 px|thumb|center|'''Figure 2''' The actual prism inside the constant-deviation spectrometer separating the spectral lines. This prism is adjusted in order to calibrate the spectrometer '''[11]''']] | [[Image:Physics_307L_Balmer_prism.JPG|250 px|thumb|center|'''Figure 2''' The actual prism inside the constant-deviation spectrometer separating the spectral lines. This prism is adjusted in order to calibrate the spectrometer '''[11]''']] | ||
===Calibration of the Spectrometer=== | ===Calibration of the Spectrometer=== | ||
===Measurement of the Hydrogen and Deuterium Spectrum=== | ===Measurement of the Hydrogen and Deuterium Spectrum=== |
Revision as of 02:35, 14 December 2009
The Balmer Series of Hydrogen and Deuterium in Atomic Physics
Author: Anastasia A. Ierides
Experimentalists: Anastasia A. Ierides, Alexandra S. Andrego
University of New Mexico, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Albuquerque NM, 87131
Physics 307L Junior Lab: December 14, 2009
aierides@nm.edu
Abstract
The importance of the Balmer series lies in the prediction of absorption/emission lines of hydrogen in the visible spectrum. The Balmer series led to the ensuing discoveries of the Lyman, Paschen, and Brackett series. These series predict the spectral lines of hydrogen in the non-visible parts of the spectrum. In order to detect the Balmer Series, of first Hydrogen and then Deuterium, we used a Constant-Deviation Spectrometer (which was calibrated using a Mercury Vapor bulb), in an environment with limited light, to measure the wavelength of the emission spectra of each. The excitation of the electrons in the atoms of each gas through electrical stimulation allows a release of photons at specific wavelengths corresponding to the Balmer series (the excitation of electrons from the first ionized state, [math]\displaystyle{ n = 2 }[/math], to the second, [math]\displaystyle{ n = 3 }[/math]). Then using a generalized form of the Balmer formula, the Rydberg formula, we used our measured wavelength to compute Rydberg's constant and to verify whether or not a deviation between the Hydrogen spectra and the Deuterium spectra could be found. Our calculated value of Rydberg's constant for each Hydrogen [math]\displaystyle{ (1.0972781 \pm 0.0025) \times10^7 }[/math] per meter and Deuterium [math]\displaystyle{ (1.0983221 \pm 0.0007) \times10^7 }[/math] per meter is in close proximity with the accepted value of [math]\displaystyle{ 1.0967758 \times10^7 }[/math] per meter.
Introduction
- The Balmer series a series of predicted and confirmed wavelengths of photons emitted from hydrogen spectrum belonging to the visible spectrum. It is the culmination of the excitation
of electrons from the n=2 state to the n=3,4,5, and 6 states in an atom causing a release of photons of corresponding energies [5]. These wavelengths compose the visible part of the hydrogen spectrum and are hence called the Balmer series.
- The prediction of these spectral lines comes from the Balmer formula, written as:
- [math]\displaystyle{ \frac{1}{\lambda }=R(\frac{1}{2^2}-\frac{1}{n^2}) }[/math]
- [math]\displaystyle{ n=3,4,5,...\,\! }[/math]
- [math]\displaystyle{ \frac{1}{\lambda }=R(\frac{1}{2^2}-\frac{1}{n^2}) }[/math]
where [math]\displaystyle{ \lambda }[/math] is the wavelength to be predicted for each transition, [math]\displaystyle{ n }[/math] is the principle quantum number of the electron, and [math]\displaystyle{ R }[/math] is a constant called Rydberg's constant, derived as seen in the Appendix below [3]. This constant however is a variant one when it comes to dealing with various elements due to the reduced mass of the subatomic particles involvement in the calculation.
- The theory behind this constant and the above equation is that for every element, there is some value R for which the wavelength of each photon emitted by each transition can be
predicted. The discrepancy between the "R" values of hydrogen and deuterium is ever so slight due to the mass change of deuterium from its extra neutron, which in turn may or should cause a shift in the spectral lines [7]. To test this hypothesis, a "constant-deviation" spectrometer is used within an allowed precision to experimentally attain data to support this hypothesis [3].
- During our experiment we found that slight discrepancy in our values could be due to some oversight when using the 'scope'. There might have gear back lash from not turning the knob
all the way back before remeasuring spectra for each trial, even though we took great care in doing so. Also, the lab lasted over two days, with a week interval and during that interval another group had used the same device used for our experiment, so re-calibration for our set of data was necessary during the second day.
Background
- Before 1885, the year that the Balmer formula was founded by a Swiss school teacher Johann Jakob Balmer, physicists, although aware of atomic emissions, lacked the tools to
predict the location of each spectral line [5]. The Balmer equation is used in the prediction of each of the four visible emission/absorption lines of hydrogen with high precision. This had inspired the Rydberg equation, invented by a Swedish physicist Johannes Robert Rydberg [6]. This new equation was a generalization of the Balmer formula, which in turn "led to the finding of the Lyman, Paschen, and Brackett series used in predicting the absorption/emission lines of hydrogen found outside the visible spectrum" [5].
- According to the Rutherford Bohr model (devised by Neils Bohr in 1913 from the amelioration of a model created by Ernest Rutherford in 1911) of the Hydrogen atom, an electron
transition that occurs between the second energy level or first excited state in the atom (corresponding to n=2) and any other higher energy level results in the Balmer lines [8].
- The Balmer series has been helpful in astronomical and physical use for years due to the abundance of hydrogen in the universe. It has been used for several means such as
spectral classification, the measure radial velocities of objects in space due to doppler shifting, and the distances to those objects.
- The Balmer series is one of six series in which the spectral line emissions of hydrogen are designated. There are four different emission wavelengths of visible light by which the
hydrogen spectrum is defined. These wavelengths can be calculated using the Balmer formula (found by Johann Balmer, 1885) written above in the "Purpose" and reflect emissions of photons by transitions of electrons between principal quantum number levels from [math]\displaystyle{ n\geq3 }[/math] to [math]\displaystyle{ n = 2 \,\! }[/math] [5].
- Compared to the Hydrogen atom, which contains one proton in the nucleus, the Deuterium atom, contains a proton and a neutron in its nucleus. Thus the Deuterium atom is heavier
than the regular Hydrogen atom. By observing and classifying spectra lines of the hydrogen and deuterium atoms the Balmer series can be determined [7]. By using electrical stimulation to excite the atoms to higher energy levels we can measure the emitted photons of wavelengths equivalent to the energy of our excited electrons.
Materials and Methods
Apparatus: Constant-Deviation Spectrometer
A constant-deviation spectrometer (SER. #12610) in use during this lab consists of a Pellin-Broca constant-deviation prism whose incident and exit angles are fixed with an appropriate rotation of the prism. The only requirement in this setting consists of keeping a the incident light ray and the axis of the analyzing telescope perpendicular [3].
Calibration of the Spectrometer
Measurement of the Hydrogen and Deuterium Spectrum
Constant-Deviation Spectrometer (SER. #12610):
- Spectrum Tube Power Supply (Model SP200)
- 5000V
- 10 MA
Underlined Spectrum Tubes:
- Spectrum Tube Power Supply Model SP200 5000V
- Spectrum Tube, Mercury Vapor S-68755-30-K
- Spectrum Tube, Hydrogen S-68755-30-G
- Spectrum Tube, Deuterium S-68755-30-E
For this lab we are using Gold's Lab Manual Gold's Physics 307L Manual
- First we adjusted the spectrometer, bringing the cross-hairs into focus by sliding the ocular to suit our vision
- Then we brought the slit into focus, turning the large ring near the center of the viewing telescope making sure to turn the screw in only one direction to avoid error due to "gear back lash"
- Next, we attached the mercury bulb and turned on the mercury tube power supply to let it warm up
- Using the spectrometer with a wide slit, we found a line of the mercury spectrum and then narrowed the slit until the line became narrow and sharp
- Then we located as many mercury spectra as we could and noted the orientation and value of our spectrometer dial
- While using the wavelengths of light given in Gold's Manual (page 29), we finished calibrating the system
- To solve for Rydberg's constant we correlated our data to the appropriate quantum numbers and used the equation given (page 30)
- Finally, we repeated this process for deuterium as well.
- Note: The first two steps are to make certain that no parallax exists between the cross-hairs and the slit when in sharp focus
Table taken from page 29 of this link [1]
Color Wavelength (nm) Deep Violet (very hard to see) 404.7 Violet 435.8 Very Weak Blue-Green skip Green 546.1 Yellow 1 577.0 Yellow 2 579.0 Red 690.75
This is our raw data: {{#widget:Google Spreadsheet |key=tlcu3hB5KpmJ6X9wgXnuimA |width=650 |height=300 }}
Using our raw data tables we used the functions in Excel for mean and standard deviation to find the standard error margins. From that we formulated a total mean:
{{#widget:Google Spreadsheet
|key=tHKTX_HPEkRAqhsbZKtjGrg
|width=650
|height=705
}}
Results and Analysis
Results and Discussion
SJK 00:39, 30 November 2009 (EST)
SJK 18:02, 29 November 2009 (EST)
Conclusions
SJK 00:42, 30 November 2009 (EST)
According to our data, although the Deuterium spectral lines varied from the Hydrogen lines in wavelength, as seen by the percentage error in the Rydberg Constant of each, the variance is slight. The largest value by which the wavelengths varied was designated in the red wavelength measurement as seen in our data tables. But also according to our data, the wavelength measurements of each color seemed to be shifted from the Hydrogen in the Deuterium spectrum.
Acknowledgements
- Please note that Alexandra S. Andrego was my lab partner for this lab. I thank her for her collaboration in the acquisition of data and helpful analysis.
- Thanks to Professor Gold for using his lab manual [3] as a guide for the calibration process as well as a guide for data collection
- Also thanks to the many authors of Wikipedia for the useful open-access articles discussing the Balmer series [5], Rydberg's constant [6], and Deuterium [7].
- Finally, I extend my gratitude to Professor Steven Koch as well as his teaching assistant, Pranav Rathi, for their extensive feedback as well as guidance throughout this lab.
References
[1] "Hydrogen energies and spectrum." Test Page for Apache Installation. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Dec. 2009. http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/Hbase/hyde.html#c4
[2] "Hydrogen spectrum." Test Page for Apache Installation. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Dec. 2009. http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/Tables/hydspec.html
[3] "The University of New Mexico Dept. of Physics and Astronomy." PHYSICS 307L: 'Junior Laboratory Manual Fall 2006'. Professor Michael Gold. http://www-hep.phys.unm.edu/~gold/phys307L/manual.pdf
[4] "User:Anastasia A. Ierides/Notebook/Physics 307L/2009/09/28 - OpenWetWare." Main Page - OpenWetWare. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Dec. 2009. http://openwetware.org/wiki/User:Anastasia_A._Ierides/Notebook/Physics_307L/2009/09/28
[5] "Balmer series - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Dec. 2009. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balmer_series
[6] "Rydberg constant - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Dec. 2009. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rydberg_constant
[7] "Deuterium - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Dec. 2009. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deuterium
[8] "Bohr model - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Dec. 2009. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bohr_model
[9] "Balmer series." Department of Mathematics, Texas A&M University. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Dec. 2009. http://www.math.tamu.edu/~comech/balmer/balmer.html
[10] "Pellin-Broca prism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Dec. 2009. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pellin-Broca_prism
Appendix
Derivation of the Rydberg Equation [5]
We can start from the equation of total energy of an electron in the nth energy state derived from the Bohr model:
- [math]\displaystyle{ E_\mathrm{total} = - \frac{m_e e^4}{8 \epsilon_0^2 h^2}. \frac{1}{n^2} \ }[/math]
The change in energy of an electron transitioning from one energy state with a value [math]\displaystyle{ n }[/math] to another is:
- [math]\displaystyle{ \Delta E = \frac{ m_e e^4}{8 \epsilon_0^2 h^2} \left( \frac{1}{n_\mathrm{initial}^2} - \frac{1}{n_\mathrm{final}^2} \right) \ }[/math]
Using [math]\displaystyle{ \frac{1}{ \lambda} = \frac {E}{hc} \rightarrow \Delta{E} = hc \Delta \frac{1}{\lambda}\,\! }[/math] to change the units to wavelength, we get
- [math]\displaystyle{ \Delta \left( \frac{1}{ \lambda}\right) = \frac{ m_e e^4}{8 \epsilon_0^2 h^3 c} \left( \frac{1}{n_\mathrm{initial}^2} - \frac{1}{n_\mathrm{final}^2} \right) \ }[/math]
where
- [math]\displaystyle{ h \ }[/math] is Planck's constant,
- [math]\displaystyle{ m_e \ }[/math] is the rest mass of the electron,
- [math]\displaystyle{ e \ }[/math] is the elementary charge,
- [math]\displaystyle{ c \ }[/math] is the speed of light in vacuum, and
- [math]\displaystyle{ \epsilon_0 \ }[/math] is the permittivity of free space.
And the Rydberg constant for Hydrogen is found as:
- [math]\displaystyle{ R_H=\frac{m_e e^4}{8 \epsilon_0^2 h^2}\,\! }[/math]
List of Used Constants
- [math]\displaystyle{ \mu\,\! }[/math] is the reduced mass of an atom
- [math]\displaystyle{ e=1.602\times10^{-19} C\,\! }[/math]
- [math]\displaystyle{ \epsilon_0=8.854\times10^{-12} F\cdot m^{-1}\,\! }[/math]
- [math]\displaystyle{ c=2.998\times10^8 m\cdot s^{-1}\,\! }[/math]
- [math]\displaystyle{ h=6.626\times10^{-34}J\cdot s\,\! }[/math]
- Rydberg's constant for hydrogen is calculated to be approximately:
- [math]\displaystyle{ R\simeq1.0967758\times10^7m^{-1}\,\! }[/math]