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Diffraction Grating

Chemistry

This is a glass disc with a mirrored surface on one face and a clear glass surface on the other. The faces are separated by a rim of heavy glass, approx. 2.5 cm in width. The mirrored surface has three rectangular inlays of a different substance than the main mirror, each of which produces a rainbow in the reflected image. The rim is covered with several layers of fraying masking tape.

Accession Number: 2017.ch.25

Alternative Name:

Primary Materials: Glass, Fabric Masking Tape.

Markings:

On the rim of the disc is a yellow sticker, which says “CHEM 387”. There is also a small round pink sticker on the non-mirrored surface, which says “45”.

Dimensions (cm):

Diameter: approx. 5.5 cm. Width (thickness): approx. 2.5 cm. The largest rectangular inlay is 4.3 cm x 14.5 cm; the smaller inlays are each 2 cm x 4 cm.

Function:

A diffraction grating works like a prism to separate light. It’s part of a spectrometer apparatus, whose function is to both examine the spectra of chemical samples, and determine the effect of specific wavelengths of light on chemical samples.

Condition:

There are scratches on both faces. Some of the masking tape is fraying, and the glue from the tape has in spots, seeped onto the surface.

Associated Instruments:

Manufacturer: Unknown

Date of Manufacture: Unknown

Provenance:

Acquired from the Dept. of Chemistry, University of Toronto.

Additional Information and References:

Historical Notes:

Themes: