Mercury Line Spectra

Mercury lamps require high-voltage power supplies (typically several hundred volts) for operation. Ensure all connections are secure before powering on. Never touch lamp connections while energized. Use proper grounding and follow institutional electrical safety protocols.

Mercury lamps emit significant ultraviolet radiation, particularly at 254 nm and 365 nm. Avoid prolonged direct viewing of the lamp itself. Use the diffracted spectrum or projected image for observation. Never use the lamp without proper housing or with damaged enclosures.

If the lamp envelope breaks, mercury vapor will be released. Evacuate the area immediately and follow institutional mercury spill protocols. Ensure adequate ventilation. Dispose of failed lamps according to hazardous waste regulations.

Purpose

A mercury lamp's emission is dispersed to show discrete spectral lines (yellow doublet, green, blue, violet), providing direct visual evidence that atomic energy levels are quantized. Students see that excited atoms emit only specific wavelengths, not a continuous spectrum.

Mercury emission spectrum showing yellow, green, violet, and blue-violet spectral lines projected on a screen

Figure 1: Mercury emission spectrum showing discrete spectral lines: yellow doublet, bright green, violet, and blue-violet.

Danger: High Voltage Hazard

Warning: UV Radiation

Danger: Mercury Vapor Hazard

Purpose

Safety Warnings

Danger: High Voltage Hazard

Warning: UV Radiation

Danger: Mercury Vapor Hazard

Purpose