Wavelengths of Visible Light

Color and Wavelength

Wavelengths of Visible Light

Tiong Ho Kin

Columbia International College

Wavelengths of Visible Light 2

Purpose: To measure the dominant wavelengths of the green and red filters and to

determine through experiment the range of wavelengths and frequencies for

visible light.

Question: What are some of the wavelengths that constitute white light?

Prediction: According to the table of values for the wavelengths of light spectrum in visible

light, it is predicted that red light would have a longer wavelength compared to

green light. Red: 610nm – 750nm. Green: 500nm – 570nm.

Materials: Clear showcase lamp

Meter stick

Retort stand and clamp

2 razor plates of the same width

1 carbon-plated glass

Red and green filter plates

Measuring tape

Procedure:

1. Set up experiment as follows: Take 2 razor blades, measure the width of both.

Then put them together, making sure that both are aligned properly. Using these

2 blades, make a double slit on the carbon-plated glass carefully. Clamp the

meter rule on the retort stand and align the light bulb and the light filters in front

of the meter rule.

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2. Place the green filter at the top half of the light bulb and the red at the lower half.

3. Stand 1 meter away and observe the respective interference patterns for the

green and red light.

4. Cover the lamp completely with the red filter and count the number of nodal lines

visible 1 meter away.

5. Predict the relative wavelengths of red and green light.

6. Replace red filter with green filter. View the interference pattern from the same

position as in step 3 and count the number of nodal lines visible.

7. Using the number of nodal lines counted for the same viewing distance in steps 3

and 4, determine the ratio of the number of red lines to the number of green

lines; determine the ratio ƛred/ƛgreen.

8. Cover the lamp completely with the red filter. View the red light through the

double slit from a distance of exactly 1.0m from the ruler. Adjust the plate so that

they are located on the 2 nodal lines at the opposite ends of the pattern. Count

the number of bright lines between the markers. Measure the distance between

the nodal lines at the edge. Calculate the average separation δx of adjacent

nodal lines.

9. Using the relationship (δx/L)=(ƛ/d), determine the wavelength of the red light.

The value of d, the distance between the slits, is recorded. L is the

perpendicular distance from the slits to the ruler.

Wavelengths of Visible Light 4

Observations

Color Number Distance Δx=1/n Length Distance ƛ

filter of color of the (m) between between (nm)
spots, n spots, l 2 slits, d Lamp
(m) (m) and
double
slit, L (m)
Red 3 5.0x10^-9 1.67x1 2.2x10^- 0.49 7.50
0^-3 4 x10^
-9
Green 4 5.0x10^-9 1.25x1 2.2x10^- 0.49 5.61
0^-3 4 x10^
-9

Analysis:

White light is made of all of the colors found in the visible spectrum, each with its own range

of wavelengths. In the visible spectrum, the wavelengths of the different colors in white light

vary, from the smallest wavelength, violet, to the largest, red.

In the experiment, it is observed that green light is more closely spaced compared to red

light. This is so due to the smaller wavelength of green light compared to that of red light.

This proven by the ratio of the wavelength of red light and that of green light, which is 1.33:1,

which also means that red light has a smaller frequency as f is directly proportional to 1/ƛ.

According to my experiment results, it proves that my prediction is accurate and that red light

has a greatest wavelength. Moreover, comparing the ratio of ƛ and δx of red light and green

light, both ratios are 1.33:1. Therefore, the experiment does prove that my prediction is

correct.

Evaluation

% error for red light=

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% error of green light=

Sources of error

1. There can be bright spots and nodal lines that are not accounted for or counted

in excess. This will affect the values of δx and ƛ of both red and green light.

2. Misalignment of slits with filament of light bulb, which will result in different

number of nodal lines compared to other groups.

3. Misalignment of razors, resulting in only 1 slit on the glass, which will result in a

whole new different experiment.

Improvements

1. Take 3 three readings and take the average of number of nodal lines and bright

spots, this will minimize the error in readings

2. Place markers where the filament is, then only use half of the eye pupil to take

note of where the filament is, the other half will take note of the number of nodal

and bright lines.

3. Place razors on a flat surface and align them. Wipe them clean in case there is

dirt stuck in between, this will prevent the experiment from changing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the wave length of red light is greater than that of green light as stated both

theoretically and experimentally. Theoretically, the wavelength of red light is 610nm - 750nm,

which is higher than that of green light, which is 500nm – 570nm. Experimentally, the ratio of the

Wavelengths of Visible Light 6

wavelength of red light to green light is 1.33:1, which also proves that red light has a larger

wavelength compared to green light.