A general chemistry experiment is described in which the students use UV/Visible spectrometry as an analytical tool, for both compound identification and pH measurement. In the first portion of the experiment, the students compare spectra to determine which FD and C dyes are contained in household products. They furthermore use chromatography to separate the dyes in grape Kool-Aid, and analyze the products with the spectrometer. In the second portion of the experiment, the students use Beer's Law to determine the pH of solutions containing an acid/base indicator. The experiments are visually stimulating and provide a solid introduction to spectroscopy and perceived color.
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Citation
Bosma, Wayne B. J. Chem. Educ.1998 75 214.
Keywords
Introductory/High School Chemistry, Laboratory, and Analytical Chemistry
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