Introduction to UV-Vis Spectroscopy
There are many different types of spectroscopy. Chemists typically use ultra-violet/visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) to identify compounds and measure their purity. Pharmaceutical scientists use ultra-violet/visible spectroscopy for drug tests and purity assays while environmental chemists use ultra-violet/visible spectroscopy for environmental testing of water and soil.
In this laboratory experiment, your students will analyze a series of compounds on the UV-Vis and identify the maximum wavelength for each compound. They will calculate the molar absorptivity using Beer's Law and compare it to the reference book value.
PRODUCT INFO
This U-PIK will include enough materials for four student groups. Suggested group size is 4-5 students. The U-PIK will include the following:
- 4 UV-Vis units
- 4 LabQuest 2 interfaces
- 5 sets of quartz cuvettes
- 4 boxes of Kimwipes
- 5 sets of known standards (benzene, and acetone)
- 5 sets of solvents (methanol and cyclohexane)
- 4 Ziploc Bags of Transfer pipets (10 per bag)
WHEN TO INTEGRATE?
The ultra-violet/visible spectrometer can be easily used to support the concept wavelength and the electromagnetic spectrum. The known samples will have maximum wavelengths between the ranges of 200-400 nm. This allows this procedure to serve as a quick introduction to UV/Vis theory, especially within the UV range. Due to the calculations required, the laboratpry experiment should be implemented in a high school chemistry course.
Time: One laboratory session.
Student Level:
INTERMEDIATE (Grades 9 - 12)
UV Vis Manual
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