A Shoebox Polarimeter: An Inexpensive Analytical Tool for Teachers and Students

Akash Mehta ^[1] ; Thomas J. Greenbowe ^[1]
1. [1] Iowa State University
  
  Iowa State University
  
  Township of Franklin, Estados Unidos
Localización: Journal of chemical education, ISSN 0021-9584, Vol. 88, Nº 8, 2011, págs. 1194-1197
Idioma: inglés
Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
Resumen
- A polarimeter can determine the optical activity of an organic or inorganic compound by providing information about the optical rotation of plane-polarized light when transmitted through that compound. This Journal has reported various construction methods for polarimeters. We report a unique construction using a shoebox, recycled office supplies, and equipment commonly available in any academic science laboratory. The sample volume requirement is only 20 mL and the instrument and operation have been greatly simplified. This instrument was developed and successfully tested during a high school chemistry teachers’ workshop.