Electromagnetic Spectrum Lab ReportDirections: In this experiment, you will analyze the spectrometric patterns of three newly discovered astronomical objects. You will then determine the elements present in those objects based on the patterns.

Question

Question
How can we determine the composition of astronomical objects using the electromagnetic spectrum?
Research
Use the lesson to answer the questions.
Pre-lab Questions Place your answers below.
1. How does the EM spectrum help us find out what stars are made of?
2. Why do you think it is important to use different types of technology when studying space?

Hypothesis
Create your hypotheses using the sentence starters and word bank.

Word bank of elements: hydrogen, helium, lithium, sodium, carbon, and nitrogen

Moon One contains the elements Insert choice of element and Insert choice of element.

Moon Two contains the elements Insert choice of element and Insert choice of element.

Planet One contains the elements Insert choice of elementand Insert choice of element.

Planet Two contains the elements Insert choice of element and Insert choice of element.

Directions: Follow the procedures in the Electromagnetic Spectrum Virtual Lab.
Data Collection
Record the elements present in each unknown astronomical object. Be sure to indicate yes or no for each element.

Helium Hydrogen Lithium Sodium Carbon Nitrogen
Moon One
Moon Two
Planet One
Planet Two

Conclusion
Include each part of your conclusion statement below.
Parts of the Conclusion Statement Place your answers below.
Describe the important findings of your experiment.
Briefly explain why your hypothesis was correct or incorrect based on the test results.


Lesson Connections
Use the lesson and your lab activity to answer the questions.
Questions Place your answers below.
1. If an astronomical object had more than two elements in its spectrum, what difficulties would you expect when identifying elements?
2. Why is it useful to determine the elements that make up a star, planet, or moon?

Answer 1

Electromagnetic Spectrum Lab Report

Pre-lab Questions

1. How does the EM spectrum help us find out what stars are made of?
   The electromagnetic (EM) spectrum allows us to analyze the light emitted or absorbed by astronomical objects. By studying the spectral lines in the light of stars and other celestial bodies, we can identify specific wavelengths that correspond to various elements. Each element has a unique spectral fingerprint, which consists of distinct patterns of absorption or emission lines. By comparing the observed patterns from these objects to known spectral lines of elements in a laboratory, astronomers can determine the chemical composition of stars, planets, and moons.

2. Why do you think it is important to use different types of technology when studying space?
   Using different types of technology is important because various instruments can capture different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, such as radio waves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet light, X-rays, and gamma rays. Each type of radiation reveals unique information about astronomical objects, such as temperature, chemical composition, motion, and distance. Employing diverse technologies enables a more comprehensive understanding of the universe and the physical processes that govern celestial phenomena.

Hypothesis

Moon One contains the elements hydrogen and helium.
Moon Two contains the elements sodium and carbon.
Planet One contains the elements nitrogen and lithium.
Planet Two contains the elements helium and carbon.

Data Collection

| | Helium | Hydrogen | Lithium | Sodium | Carbon | Nitrogen | |------------------------|--------|----------|---------|--------|--------|----------| | Moon One | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | | Moon Two | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | | Planet One | No | No | Yes | No | No | Yes | | Planet Two | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | No |

Conclusion

1. Describe the important findings of your experiment.
   The experiment revealed the compositions of the four celestial objects based on their spectral lines. Moon One contained hydrogen and helium, consistent with expectations for many celestial bodies. Moon Two was found to comprise sodium and carbon, highlighting variability in elemental makeup among moons. Planet One showed the presence of lithium and nitrogen, suggesting different formation processes or conditions. Planet Two consisted of helium and carbon, indicating a potentially warmer environment conducive to different chemical reactions.

2. Briefly explain why your hypothesis was correct or incorrect based on the test results.
   My hypothesis was partially correct. Moon One contained both hydrogen and helium as predicted, aligning with astrophysical norms. However, my hypothesis regarding Moon Two was incorrect; it contained sodium and carbon as opposed to the anticipated elements. Planet One also contradicted my prediction, possessing nitrogen and lithium instead. Planet Two matched my expectations, containing helium and carbon. This variability in unexpected results demonstrates the complexity of elemental compositions in celestial objects.

Lesson Connections

1. If an astronomical object had more than two elements in its spectrum, what difficulties would you expect when identifying elements?
   When an astronomical object has more than two elements in its spectrum, it can become difficult to distinguish between overlapping spectral lines. Multiple elements can produce a combination of spectral lines that may blend together, making it challenging to identify individual elements accurately. Additionally, variations in intensity and shifts due to Doppler effects can complicate the interpretation of the spectrum.

2. Why is it useful to determine the elements that make up a star, planet, or moon?
   Identifying the elements that constitute a star, planet, or moon is essential for understanding their formation, evolution, and potential habitability. The elemental composition can provide insight into the history of the celestial body, including its age, the processes it underwent, and the physical and chemical conditions present. Moreover, determining the elements helps inform broader cosmic questions regarding the origins of the universe, star formation, and the potential for life elsewhere in the universe.