How can spectra tell us what things are made of?

Stars and planets are too far away for a human to touch, yet we know what they are made of. Spectra make this possible! Let’s investigate how.

Atomic Emission Part 2: Slideshow

Slideshow. This slideshow can be reviewed as a class discussion, in small groups, or on your own, as instructed by your teacher.

  1. Learn how atoms and molecules emit light at specific wavelengths. The line patterns in spectra allow scientists to determine the composition of a light source.