Spectroscopy Analysis Kit by Home Science Tools

[tkmilman]

I wonder if there is someone who has used the Spectroscopy Analysis Kit by Home Science Tools. It is a kit for doing flame tests on metal salts. I would like to know how to go about it, any risks to be aware of, what precautions to take, etc.

Any input or suggestions are welcomed. If there is a better spectrocopy kit than this set, please let me know. Do I need a Bunsen Burner for this experiment? I am looking for a user friendly, low risk experimental kit.

Thanks,

TK

[CynthiaOK]

I purchased this for my Conceptual Physics co-op class. We enjoyed it. I believe it comes with lab instructions and the spectroscope can be used for examining various light sources (sodium lights, neon lights, fluorescent light, etc.). My kids really enjoyed it. We used candle flame instead of bunsen burners. I would recommend a bunsen burner (or alcohol lamp) because I don't think my candle flames got hot enough. A couple of the metals were difficult to see - I attributed that to the cooler candle flame (I could be wrong, though).

[tkmilman]

Hi Cynthia,

Do you remember the steps you took to do these tests? Do you put salt on a wooden stick and then just put over the flame and see the flame through the spectroscope? Do you have to wear goggles for this experiment? Are there any sparks?

I did not open the package just in case it is difficult to return the product back to the company.

Thanks,

TK

[CynthiaOK]

It's been a couple of years ago, but I don't remember needing goggles. We had about 30 kids in the class so they were organized into groups of 5 students per 1 parent/teacher. Each student had his own spectroscope but each group shared the salts.

If I remember correctly, we put the salts on the end of a long wooden spatula type thing and held it in the flame. This was done by the parent/teacher and the students watched the flame through the spectroscope. There was no need to be right over the flame but I do remember that we turned off the fluorescent lights in the room because we were getting some interference. There were no sparks that I recall and no major flare-ups.

With that many kids and open flames no one got hurt nor were any fires started. It must have been pretty safe :D

My kids carried their spectroscopes with them everywhere for a while after that lab. They were always checking out some light source. Lots of fun - enjoy!

[tkmilman]

Cynthia,

Thank you for writing back and giving me more information. I appreciate it.:001_smile:

Blessings,

TK