Safety Warnings
Discharge lamps operate at several hundred to thousands of volts. Ensure all electrical connections are properly insulated and grounded. Never touch lamp housing during operation.
Electromagnets producing 0.5-1.5 T fields can affect pacemakers, damage magnetic storage media, and attract ferromagnetic objects. Keep credit cards, watches, and electronic devices away. Post warning signs for individuals with medical implants.
Mercury discharge lamps emit significant UV radiation. Use appropriate shielding and avoid direct viewing of the lamp. UV-blocking optics should be in place.
Both the discharge lamp and electromagnet generate substantial heat during operation. Ensure adequate ventilation and verify cooling system operation. Allow proper cool-down time before handling components.
Purpose
Spectral lines split in the presence of an external magnetic field due to the lifting of \(m_J\) degeneracy. Students observe direct evidence for angular momentum quantization and the magnetic properties of atoms.
