Quantization of Energy Lab Report

Instructions: For this investigative phenomenon, you will need to determine the composition of
the new star using a spectrometer. This will help scientists determine the star's approximate age.
You will complete Part I and Part II trials of the experiment. Record your observations and test
measurements in the lab report below. You will submit your completed report.

Title: Founding of a New Star

Objective(s): The objectives are to conduct a flame test and observe each element on the
bunsen burner and compare them.

Hypothesis: If each element can be identified by its color the solution then the element of an
unknown star can be determined.

Make a prediction that describes the relationship between the composition of an unknown
substance and its emission spectrum. For example, “If each element can be identified by its
____color____, then the ___element___ of an unknown star can be determined."

Procedure:

Access the virtual lab and complete Part I and Part II trials of the experiment. Because this lab is
virtual, summarize the steps in which data were collected for the samples. In addition, list and
explain your controlled variables, independent variable, and dependent variable for this lab.

Materials:

Quantization of Energy Virtual Lab

Variables:

Remember, controlled variables are factors that remain the same throughout the
experiment. An independent (test) variable changes so that the experimenter can see the
effect on other variables. The dependent (outcome) variable will change in response to
the test variable.

Controlled variables: the temperature of the bunsen burner and the type of
platinum wire being used

Independent variable: the element being coated

 Dependent variable: the color of the flame

Summary of Steps:

Data:

Type the results of your tests in the data table below. The saved results of your measurements
can also be found by selecting the data table button within the virtual lab. Don't forget to record
measurements with accuracy, precision, and appropriate significant figures.

Part I: Flame Tests

Solution Element Name Color Description

Known One barium lime green flame

Known Two calcium bright red flame

Known Three sodium sun yellow flame

Known Four rubidium vivid purple flame

Known Five potassium royal blue flame

Known Six lithium fuchsia flame

Unknown One unknown 1 fuchsia flame

Unknown Two unknown 2 royal blue flame

Part II: Spectrometry

Known Elements
Spectrum Line Hydrogen Helium Sodium Neon Mercury

1 dark purple: blue: 445nm light yellow: blue: blue: 430nm

410nm 580nm 420nm

2 blue: 440nm green: yellow: dark blue: 450nm

510nm 585nm green:
515nm
3 lime green: yellow: dark yellow: green: green: 540nm
510nm 585nm 585nm 525nm

4 light green: red: 690nm n/a light light green:

540nm green: 550nm
530nm

5 light green: dark red: n/a dark yellow:

550nm 735nm yellow: 570nm
575nm

6 yellow: 565nm n/a n/a yellow: bright red:

580nm 680nm

7 bright: 655nm n/a n/a bright red: 690nm

red:
700nm

8 red: 680nm n/a n/a red: dark red:

710nm 710nm

9 dark red: 700nm n/a n/a dark red: n/a

720nm

10 n/a n/a n/a dark red: n/a

795nm

Star Compositio​n

Line in Star Spectrum  Color  Wavelength 

1  dark purple  421nm  

2  purple  429nm 

3  blue  479nm 

4  teal  505nm 

5  green  550nm 
6  green  550nm 

7  yellow  575nm 

8  dark red  710nm 

9     

10     

11     

12     

13     

14     

15     

16     

17     

18     

Conclusion

Write a conclusion statement that addresses the following questions:

● Based on your data, which unknown elements make up this star? ​hydrogen, neon, sodium
and rubidium
● Does your data support or fail to support your hypothesis (include examples)? ​Yes, I do
believe that my hypothesis supports my data because hydrogen and neon consisted of red
flames and the star had many red frequencies and wavelengths.
● How do you think the investigation can be explored further? ​The investigation can be
explored further by conducting the same experiment but with different scientists and then
afterwards comparing the information.

Post-Lab Reflection Questions

Answer the reflection questions using what you have learned from the lesson and your
experimental data. It will be helpful to refer to your chemistry journal notes. Answer questions in
complete sentences.

1. In Parts I and II of the lab, what happened to the electrons of each element to produce the
different colors of light? Explain your answers using important terms from the lesson and
information provided in the laboratory.
The electrons of each element in part one determined the color of the flame but in part
two the color determined the wavelength and the frequencies.
2. Stars composed of heavier (more massive) elements are often slightly older than stars
made predominantly from hydrogen and helium. Based on your data, is the newly
discovered star a younger star? Explain your answer.
The star is older because hydrogen is present and is very visible causing the star to be
older.