Explain how a spectro meter works by drawing a labelled flow diagram showing the main components of a spectrometer and briefly state the purpose of those components?

Answer 1

A spectrometer works by separating light into its different wavelengths, allowing for the measurement of the intensity of each wavelength.

Main components of a spectrometer:

1. Light source: emits light that is then directed into the spectrometer.
2. Entrance slit: allows only a small amount of light to enter the spectrometer, helping to improve the resolution of measurements.
3. Collimator lens: focuses the light into a parallel beam, making it easier to analyze.
4. Diffraction grating: disperses the light into its different wavelengths.
5. Focusing lens: refocuses the dispersed light onto a detector.
6. Detector: measures the intensity of the light at each wavelength.
7. Data output: displays the results of the analysis, usually in the form of a spectrum.

The purpose of each component:
- Light source: provides the light to be analyzed.
- Entrance slit: controls the amount of light entering the spectrometer.
- Collimator lens: helps to focus the light into a parallel beam.
- Diffraction grating: separates the light into its different wavelengths.
- Focusing lens: refocuses the dispersed light onto a detector.
- Detector: measures the intensity of the light at each wavelength.
- Data output: displays the results of the analysis.