Spectroscopy of Various Metals We obtained spectral lines by burning metals with a butane torch. The electrons in the metals are excited by the heat of the torch. They then fall back to a lower energy level, emitting a photon in the process. The photons are detected by the CCD which returns their wavelength and the number of photons detected (intensity).

Magnesium LiCl NaCl Most interesting spectrum and burned bright white Displayed blackbody at low intensity and had multiple sharp peaks of high intensity Peaks result from electron transitions LiCl Beautiful crimson burning color Spectrum showed one peak at about 670 nm Did not ignite, was just excited by the flame NaCl Burned an orange-red color Spectrum showed one peak at about 590 nm