Resumen de Using Chemistry and Color To Analyze Household Products:: A 10-12 Hour Laboratory Project at the General Chemistry Level
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.
