Spectroscope for School Project

A spectroscope is a simple device that allows students to see the spectrum of light by splitting white light into different colors. This is a great project to introduce concepts of light, wavelengths, and color dispersion.

🔧 Materials Required

✅ CD/DVD (old, scratched ones work fine!) – Acts as a diffraction grating
✅ Cardboard Box (small shoe box or cereal box) – Acts as the spectroscope body
✅ Razor Blade or Craft Knife – To make precise cuts
✅ Black Paper or Paint – To reduce unwanted reflections
✅ Tape & Glue – To secure parts
✅ Slit Cutout (Aluminum Foil or Cardboard with a Slit) – Creates a narrow beam of light
✅ Flashlight or Sunlight – Light source

🛠️ How to Build the Spectroscope

Step 1: Prepare the Box

• Cut a small rectangular hole on one side of the box (~1 cm wide).
• This is where light will enter the spectroscope.

Step 2: Create the Light Slit

• Cut a thin vertical slit (~1mm wide) on aluminum foil or cardboard.
• Tape it over the hole you made in Step 1.
• The slit should be very narrow and straight to create a sharp spectrum.

Step 3: Install the Diffraction Grating

• Take an old CD or DVD and carefully cut a small triangular section (~5 cm wide).
• Place it inside the box at an angle (about 45°) so light passing through the slit hits the CD surface.
• Secure it with tape or glue.

Step 4: Viewing Window

• Cut a small viewing hole on the opposite side of the CD.
• This is where you’ll look through to see the spectrum.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

• Paint the inside black or line it with black paper to prevent stray reflections.
• Ensure all gaps are sealed with tape to block out extra light.

👀 How to Use the Spectroscope

1️⃣ Point the light slit toward a bright light source (like sunlight or a flashlight).
2️⃣ Look through the viewing hole and observe the beautiful rainbow spectrum!
3️⃣ Try using different light sources (LED, CFL, Sunlight) and compare the spectra.

📜 Science Behind It

• The CD/DVD surface acts like a diffraction grating, breaking light into its different wavelengths.
• Different light sources have unique spectral lines (e.g., fluorescent vs. LED vs. sunlight).
• This is how real spectrometers analyze stars, gases, and chemicals! 🌈✨

🛠️ Spectroscope Diagram