Title: Quantization of Energy Lab
Title: Quantization of Energy Lab
Instructions: For this investigative phenomenon, you will need to determine the composition of
the new star using a spectrometer. This will help scientists determine the star's approximate age.
You will complete Part I and Part II trials of the experiment. Record your observations and test
measurements in the lab report below. You will submit your completed report.
Hypothesis:
Make a prediction that describes the relationship between the composition of an unknown
substance and its emission spectrum. For example, “If each element can be identified by its color
of produced flame, then the composition of an unknown star can be determined."
Procedure:
Access the virtual lab and complete Part I and Part II trials of the experiment. Because this lab is
virtual, summarize the steps in which data were collected for the samples. In addition, list and
explain your controlled variables, independent variable, and dependent variable for this lab.
Materials:
Variables:
Remember, controlled variables are factors that remain the same throughout the
experiment. An independent (test) variable changes so that the experimenter can see the
effect on other variables. The dependent (outcome) variable will change in response to
the test variable.
Data:
Type the results of your tests in the data table below. The saved results of your measurements
can also be found by selecting the data table button within the virtual lab. Don't forget to record
measurements with accuracy, precision, and appropriate significant figures.
Known Elements
Star Composition
Conclusion
Based on your data from part 2, identify three possible elements that make up this star.
Do your data support or fail to support your hypothesis (include examples)?
My hypothesis was proved to be correct. Based off the wavelengths found in the
spectroscopy, hydrogen seems to be the most prominent element in the star followed by
helium. The rest of the elements are only in trace quantities.
Answer the reflection questions using what you have learned from the lesson and your
experimental data. It will be helpful to refer to your chemistry journal notes. Answer questions in
complete sentences.
1. In Parts I and II of the lab, what happened to the electrons of each element to produce the
different colors of light? Explain your answers using important terms from the lesson and
information provided in the laboratory. Electrons absorb energy and move to more
excited orbitals. But electrons tend to configure in a more stable environment losing that
energy and going back to their original orbitals. That loss of energy is released as light
from the atom in which the color is determined based off of the distance the electron
jumped back.
2. Stars composed of heavier (more massive) elements are often slightly older than stars
made predominantly from hydrogen and helium. Based on your data, is the newly
discovered star a younger star? Explain your answer.
The star I discovered is a younger star. It is mostly made of hydrogen and helium with
very trace amounts of other, heavier elements that are created as time goes on.