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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2001  > March  >
In the Laboratory
Computer Bulletin Board
Using a Diode Laser Pointer to Count Drops and Automate Titration Systems
Paul Ogren, Steve Nelson, and Ian Henry
Department of Chemistry, Earlham College, Richmond, IN 47374-4095
Cover
March 2001
Vol. 78 No. 3
p. 353
Abstract
An inexpensive Class 3a diode laser pointer is used to construct a simple system for recording drops falling from a buret. The drop signal is recorded together with one or more measurement signals by a LabVIEW-based programmable interfacing system. A standard buret is converted to a Mariotte buret to provide a constant drop-addition rate. Recalibration of the modified buret scale allows the titration program to convert number of drops to milliliters of titrant. The system is used to provide introductory experiences with automation and interfacing in analytical or physical chemistry. Examples of such uses are provided briefly in the article and are described more fully in the online documentation. A brief review of safety issues surrounding the use of diode laser pointers also is provided.
Supplement
The supplemental material available provides detailed information on construction of the diode laser/detector system, alternative Mariotte buret designs, and information on the LabVIEW program and hardware used to obtain Figure 2. It also includes student directions for the physical chemistry experiment described in the article, buret calibration data and evaluations of buret performance, additional examples of applications, and further information on laser safety guidelines.
*  Contents JCE2001p0353W.doc (MS Word 97-98)
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More Information
*  Citation
 Ogren, Paul; Nelson, Steve; Henry, Ian. J. Chem. Educ. 2001 78 353.
*  Keywords
 Laboratory Computing / Interfacing; Quantitative Analysis; Instrumental Methods; Analytical Chemistry
*  History
 Created:
Last Updated:		 February 6, 2001
August 31, 2005
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