Download Activity: Stellar Spectra

SNC1D
Mr. Spacie
/10
Lab Activity:
Name: ______________
Stellar Spectra
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the methods by which astronomer determine the
composition of stars.
MATERIALS:
Computer
Pencil
PROCEDURE:
1. Go to the following website: Stellar Spectra Activity
2. Read through the instructions and the example given.
3. Click ‘Go’ at the bottom of the page.
4. Examine each of the spectra given for the 4 elements
carefully, then click ‘Go’.
5. Using the spectra given try to identify the mystery
star at the bottom of the page. Click on the boxes for
the elements you think are present then click ‘Did I
get it Right?’
6. If you got it right record the elements present in your
observations table, then click on ‘Give me another
star’ and try again. If you got it wrong click on
‘back to the same star’ and try again and then record
your results.
7. Repeat for at least 4 different stars.
DATA
AND
OBSERVATIONS: (4
STAR #
MARKS,
½
MARK EACH)
ELEMENTS PRESENT
QUESTIONS:
1. Explain how spectroscopic analysis enables us to determine
what elements are present in a star. (K: 2 marks)
2. Does the spectroscopic analysis of a star tell us the
composition of the entire star or just a part of it? (HINT:
Stars are opaque). (T: 1 mark)
3. Astronomers focus on distant stars through an optical
telescope and pass the starlight through a diffraction grating
SNC1D
Mr. Spacie
/10
Name: ______________
where it is split into its prismatic colours and projected on
to a photographic plate. Yet, the photographic paper used is
black and white rather than colour. Explain how this is still
a very effective way of making accurate measurements and
interpretations (i.e. even without colour). (A: 2 marks)
1. Consider the spectral patterns below (Hint: Left side of the
spectrum is blue; right side is red):
Hydrogen, H
Helium, He
Mercury, Hg
Mystery Star X
a) Using the spectral patterns above, which elements are in
Mystery star X? (I: 1 mark)