Wavelength of the red colour of this helium discharge tube

In summary, the red color emitted by a helium discharge tube has a wavelength of approximately 656.3 nanometers. This wavelength is determined through spectroscopy, which measures the specific wavelengths of light emitted by the gas atoms when excited by an electrical discharge. The red color is significant to scientists because it provides valuable information about the element's energy levels and properties. This wavelength cannot be altered as it is a specific property of the element. Compared to other colors, the red color has a longer wavelength, making it lower in frequency than blue and green light.
  • #1
songoku
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Homework Statement
A grating spectrometer is used to view the spectrum of light from a helium discharge tube. Three brightest spectral lines seen are blue, red and yellow. These lines appear at positions A, B and C in the figure but not necessarily in that order. The distance between the grating and screen is 30 cm and the slit spacing in the grating is 1870 nm. What is the wavelength of red colour?
a. 767 nm
b. 398 nm
c. 669 nm
d. 565 nm
e. 454 nm
Relevant Equations
x = λ.L / d

x = fringe separation
L = distance between grating and screen
d = slit spacing
Untitled 2.png

Red has the longest wavelength compared to the two other colours so the location of red will be at point C.

x = 11.5 cm
L = 30 cm
d = 1870 nm

Putting all into the formula, I get λ = 717 nm

Where is my msitake?

Thanks
 
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  • #2
songoku said:
Relevant Equations:: x = λ.L / d
This equation is valid only for small angles ##\theta##.
1581384126022.png
 
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  • #3
is d sin θ = nλ the formula I need to use?
 
  • #4
songoku said:
is d sin θ = nλ the formula I need to use?
Yes
 
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  • #5
Thank you very much for the help TSny
 

1. What is the wavelength of the red colour of this helium discharge tube?

The wavelength of the red colour in a helium discharge tube is approximately 656.3 nanometers (nm). This corresponds to the spectral line emitted by excited helium atoms in the visible light range.

2. How is the wavelength of the red colour in a helium discharge tube measured?

The wavelength of the red colour in a helium discharge tube can be measured using a spectrometer or a diffraction grating. These tools use the principle of diffraction to separate the different wavelengths of light and measure their corresponding wavelengths.

3. Why is the red colour in a helium discharge tube significant?

The red colour in a helium discharge tube is significant because it corresponds to a specific wavelength of light emitted by excited helium atoms. This spectral line is used in various scientific and industrial applications such as spectroscopy, laser technology, and plasma physics.

4. Can the wavelength of the red colour in a helium discharge tube be changed?

Yes, the wavelength of the red colour in a helium discharge tube can be changed by altering the conditions of the discharge, such as the gas pressure and current. This can result in a shift in the spectral line emitted by the excited helium atoms.

5. How does the wavelength of the red colour in a helium discharge tube compare to other colours?

The wavelength of the red colour in a helium discharge tube is longer than that of other colours, such as blue and green, which have shorter wavelengths. This is because red light has a lower frequency and energy compared to other colours in the visible light spectrum.

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