Chapter 3: Superspy/Chemistry Teacher
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Why It Works A spectroscope is used to identify elements based upon their colors. Different elements reveal different colors when they are heated. In this case, MacGyver’s polarized sunglasses (aviator style optional) act as a simple diffraction grating spectroscope. This type of spectroscope separates light by preventing certain wavelengths of light from passing through the glass, allowing Mac to observe the color of an element when light is passed through it. The nail polish contains acetone, a commonly used solvent, which dissolves the sample. Passing a light through the dissolved sample allows Mac to see if the pesticide contains a certain color, which he is able to identify as illegal. Would It Work? Nah. Each element appears as a slightly different color. Most pesticides are complex chemical chains, meaning that Mac would have to know each color in that chemical compound. On the other hand, if it