Education Technology


Waves and Spectrum Exploration

Activity Overview

In this lesson, students will study the relationship between wavelength, frequency, and color through an interactive simulation.

Objectives

  • Students will study the relationship between wavelength, frequency, and color.
  • Students will calculate the energy of electromagnetic radiation using Planck’s Constant.
  • Students will learn about the Balmer, Paschen, and Lyman Series.
  • Students will calculate the energy change that an electron undergoes when changing energy levels using the Rhydberg Constant.

Vocabulary

  • speed of light
  • wavelength
  • frequency
  • electromagnetic radiation
  • visible spectrum
  • photons
  • Planck’s Constant
  • Balmer Series
  • Paschen Series
  • Lyman Series
  • Rhydberg Constant

About the Lesson

This lesson involves the relationship between waves and electron energy jumps within the atom.
As a result, students will:

  • Study the relationship between wavelength, frequency ,and color.
  • Calculate wavelengths and frequencies.
  • Calculate the energy of electromagnetic radiation using Planck’s Constant.
  • Study the energy changes as electrons change energy levels in an atom.
  • Learn about the Balmer, Paschen, and Lyman Series.
  • Calculate the energy change that an electron undergoes when changing energy levels using the Rhydberg Constant.