Examining the production of some bands of the electromagnetic spectrum using KCl

Abstract

Abstract An experimental activity for teaching the origin of some bands of the electromagnetic spectrum using only one substance is presented. The activity is proposed for undergraduate students and focuses on developing their knowledge on the origin and the specific requirements for excitation and detection of three bands of the electromagnetic spectrum, in a comparative way. In this teaching approach, gamma rays from spontaneous emission of 40K, x-rays and visible radiation emission after appropriate excitation of KCl, is detected using instruments that can be found in an undergraduate physics and chemistry laboratory. The activity which combines demonstration and student engagement is described and the results related to the examination of each band are discussed.