Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Trace two circles on poster board and cut them out with scissors. Use the round end of a toilet paper tube as a pattern for tracing the circles, making the circles slightly larger than the tubes.
Use a ruler to measure a 2-centimeter square on one of the circles and then cut it out with scissors. Tape the 2-centimeter square diffraction grating (an optical device, sold in science and hobby stores, the splits or diffracts light) over the middle of the circle. Tape the circle to one end of the toilet paper tube, with the diffraction grating facing toward the inside.
Tape the other circle to the other end of the toilet paper tube.
Cut a small piece of poster board about the width of the two single-blade utility razors. Place the piece of poster board between the handles of the two razors, with the blades parallel and the sharp edges facing forward. Tape the two razors together with the poster board between them, to separate them slightly. This will make a twin blade that will make two side-by-side (or parallel) cuts when used.
Use the cutting tool to make a vertical twin cut, about 2 centimeters long, on the piece of poster board that has been attached to the end of the toilet paper tube opposite from the end with the diffraction grating taped on. The cuts will be in this (II) shape. Use one of the blades to make two more parallel cuts at the top and bottom of the slits, so a rectangular slot is formed.
Hold the spectroscope toward a light source, like the moon or a star. Hold the slitted end up to the eye with the diffraction grating end of the tube pointed toward the light source. Turn the spectroscope slightly to see the diffraction of light.