Overcoming Spectrometer Experiment Problems: Tips for Accurate Results

[logearav]

folks, while i do spectrometer experiment to find the angle of the prism and angle of minimum deviation, i encounter the following problems. please let me know how to overcome that
1) i first do the initial adjustment with telescope pointing towards the distant object so that i get a clear inverted image in the field of view
2) next, with the help of spirit level i make sure that my prism table in horizontal level
3) now i make the telescope in line with collimator and focus the sodium vapour monochromatic source and i get a thin, sharp slit exactly in the middle of the cross wire
4) now when i place the prism to find the angle of prism , i get the slit well below the field of view when i turn the telescope to catch the image of the source of light from both the reflecting faces.
5) with the help of the levelling screws at the bottom of the prism table i raise the image to the middle of the field of view
6) but when i proceed to find the angle of minimum deviation, once again the image goes below the field of view
why this problem occurs? please give me a solution... thanks in advance

 

[Valerie Park]

.The issue you are facing occurs because the prism is not perfectly aligned. The angle of the prism should be adjusted so that the light beam reflected off each face is in line with the crosshair. To do this, adjust the levelling screws at the bottom of the prism table until the image is in the middle of the field of view. Then, adjust the prism angle until the light beam from each reflecting face is in line with the crosshair. Once the prism angle is adjusted properly, the image should remain in the middle of the field of view when the telescope is adjusted for the angle of minimum deviation.

 

[sir-pinski]

It sounds like you are taking all the necessary steps to ensure accurate results in your spectrometer experiment. However, there are a few things that could be causing the problems you are experiencing.

Firstly, it is important to make sure that the prism is securely fixed in place and not moving during the experiment. Any slight movement can significantly affect the results. You can use clamps or adhesive tape to hold the prism in place.

Secondly, make sure that the prism is clean and free from any dust or debris. Even small particles can alter the path of light passing through the prism, leading to inaccurate results.

Another potential issue could be with the positioning of the prism. It is important to make sure that the prism is placed at the correct angle and in the correct orientation. You can refer to the instructions or manual of your spectrometer for the correct positioning.

Additionally, it is important to use a stable light source. Any fluctuations in the intensity or wavelength of the light can affect the results. If possible, use a stable and reliable light source for your experiment.

Finally, it is always a good idea to repeat the experiment multiple times and take the average of the results. This can help to minimize errors and give a more accurate measurement.

I hope these tips help you overcome the problems you are facing in your spectrometer experiment. Good luck!