Further Exploration of Light Patterns

Getting Light from Gases 1

Before we look at the spectra of gases, we will take a minute to learn how we can cause light to be emitted by a gas.  The process involves a device called a discharge tube.  These tubes are rather common.  Fluorescent lights and the signs that we normally call neon signs are examples.  To understand the basic process we will use a visualization.  To launch the visualization click this link. Then click on Run Now.  The screen should look like the figure below.

Screen of the discharge tube visualization.

For the present activity we will focus on the larger window on the left side of the screen.  We will return in a future activity to consider the smaller window on the right.

 As an opening exploration fire a few electrons on at a time by clicking the appropriate button.  Observe what happens and record your observation.

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