Sci Guys Episode: Spectroscopy

Presenters: Adam and Ryan

Introduction

• Episode focuses on spectroscopy
• Spectroscopy involves identifying substances through flame color.

Scientific Background

• During combustion, electrons move to higher energy levels.
• Electrons release energy as light when returning to a resting state.
• The wavelength of emitted light is specific to the substance burned.

Equipment Required

• Barbecue lighter
• Tart tins
• Aluminum foil (for snuffing flames)
• Fire extinguisher (do not use on tart tins; only for out-of-control fires)

Ingredients Needed

• Engine antifreeze (methanol)
• Root killer, Borax laundry booster
• Moisture absorber
• Powder from a road flare
• Kosher salt (sodium)
• Potassium (from No-Salt substitute)

Safety Equipment

• Heavy work gloves
• Goggles
• Lab coat
• Dust masks
  • Some chemicals are poisonous/corrosive and should not be inhaled.

Experiment Setup

1. Preparation

   • Use aluminum sheets as heat barriers to protect surfaces.
   • Use tart tins for holding ingredients.

2. Ingredient Distribution

   • Tin 1: 4 tbsp methanol (control)
   • Tins 2-6: 2 tbsp methanol + 2 tbsp specific ingredient
   • Tin 7: 2 tbsp road flare powder

Experiment Steps

1. Tin 1 (Methanol Control)

   • Burns with a dull blue color due to alcohol combustion.

2. Tin 2 (Potassium)

   • Burns with a light purple/violet color.

3. Tin 3 (Borax)

   • Contains sodium and boron, burns light green/teal.

4. Tin 4 (Root Killer)

   • Made of copper sulfate, burns dark green.

5. Tin 5 (Kosher Salt)

   • Sodium chloride, burns bright yellow.

6. Tin 6 (Moisture Absorber)

   • Contains calcium chloride, burns dark orange.

7. Tin 7 (Road Flare Powder)

   • Strontium chloride, burns bright red (do not look directly at the flame).

Scientific Explanation

• Combustion excites electrons, releasing energy as light when returning to stability.
• Energy level transition determines light color.
• Emission spectroscopy helps identify materials by comparing flame colors to recorded data.

Conclusion

• Demonstration of emission spectroscopy shows the spectrum of colors elements emit when burned.
• Viewers encouraged to subscribe, follow, and engage with Sci Guys online.
• Request for viewer experiment submissions with parental consent.