57

Lesson 57 of 84 ยท Engineering and Design

Experiment

Light and the Color Spectrum (Part 3)

What You'll Learn

Light behaves as both a wave and a particle. White light can be separated into a spectrum of colors using a prism. Each color has a different wavelength.

Key Words

  • model
  • prototype
  • design

Materials Needed

  • scissors
  • straws
  • paper clips
  • rubber bands

Safety First

  • Work in a well-ventilated area when using vinegar or other strong-smelling substances.
  • Dispose of materials properly after the experiment.
  • Handle glass items carefully to avoid breakage.

Steps

Step 1 โ€” Read

Read and learn: Light behaves as both a wave and a particle. White light can be separated into a spectrum of colors using a prism. Each color has a different wavelength.

Step 2 โ€” Do

Create a labeled diagram of what you built or observed.

Step 3 โ€” Observe

Compare the before and after states.

Step 4 โ€” Record

Write your conclusion: did the results match your hypothesis?

Check Your Understanding

Question 1

1 of 3

What is amplitude?