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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2006  > December  >
In the Laboratory
Infrared Absorption Spectroscopy of Acetylene in the Lecture
Thomas E. Briggs and Scott T. Sanders
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706
Cover
December 2006
Vol. 83 No. 12
p. 1864

Abstract
Lectures can be greatly enhanced by demonstrating experimental techniques or analysis tools directly in the classroom. The homework experience can also be more valuable when the students are working with real data that was obtained in an experiment they observed. We have designed an in-class experiment to measure the absorption spectrum of acetylene near 1525 nm and its dependence on gas pressure. The experiment is based on readily available telecommunications products including a broadband fiber-coupled light source and optical spectrum analyzer. The experiment was coupled to a follow-up assignment in which students extract spectroscopic details from the classroom data, culminating in an inference of gas pressure. The experience demonstrated how data are obtained in the lab and how to interpret the data for meaningful results. The same general approach could be used to investigate the optical properties of other substances. The use of fiber-coupled telecommunications equipment provides an extremely flexible setup, in our case enabling the high-pressure gas cell to be located in a remote room for added safety.
Supplement
The experimental procedure and questions for the students are available.
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Citation
Briggs, Thomas E.; Sanders, Scott T. J. Chem. Educ. 2006 83 1864.
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Keywords
Alkynes; Demonstrations; Graduate Education / Research; Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives; Instrumental Methods; IR Spectroscopy; Laboratory Instruction; Physical Chemistry; Spectroscopy; Upper-Division Undergraduate
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History
Created:
Last Updated:
10/30/2006
11/7/2006
 Caution! 
Experiments, laboratory exercises, lecture demonstrations, and other descriptions of the use of chemicals, apparatus, instruments, computers, and computer interfaces are presented in the Journal of Chemical Education as illustrative of new or improved ideas or concepts in chemistry instruction and are directed at qualified teachers. Although every effort is made to assure and encourage safe practices and safe use of chemicals, the Journal of Chemical Education cannot assume responsibility for uses made of its published materials. Many chemicals are hazardous. Precautions for the safe use of hazardous chemicals and directions for their proper disposal are described in the Material Safety Data Sheets and on the labels. We strongly urge all those planning to use materials from our pages to make choices and to develop procedures for laboratory and classroom safety in accordance with local needs and situations.
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