Column: The Baseline

Spectroscopy and the Atomic Number

December 01, 2013

The history of how the atomic number came to be

Logger Rhythm

June 01, 2013

A logarithm is a mathematical function that shows up in some forms of spectroscopy. Understanding what it is can give us a better appreciation for its function in our fields.

Why Is the Sky Blue?

April 01, 2013

A detailed look at what makes the sky appear blue in color, using Rayleigh scattering, Maxwell's equations, and the Mie theory.

Quantities, Symbols, and Units in Spectroscopy

December 01, 2012

A reminder of what certain terms mean and how they should be used in scientific work

Fluorescent Lights

September 01, 2012

A look at how fluorescent lights are spectroscopically different from the old-fashioned incandescent light bulb.

Maxwell's Equations, Part VII

June 01, 2012

Here, Maxwell's fourth equation of electrodynamics and how light is described in terms of Maxwell's four mathematical expressions is examined.

Maxwell's Equations, Part VI

April 01, 2012

Results are generalized from the last installment and considerations are made for how it applies to one of Maxwell's equations.

Maxwell's Equations, Part V

January 01, 2012

Here, we continue the discussion of electromagnetism and Maxwell's second equation.

Maxwell's Equations, Part IV

December 01, 2011

A discussion of magnetism, leading into Maxwell's second equation

Maxwell's Equations, Part III

September 01, 2011

Here's the fundamental calculus you need to understand Maxwell's first equation