Build Your Own Photometer: A Guided-Inquiry Experiment To Introduce Analytical Instrumentation
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[1] University of British Columbia
University of British Columbia
Canadá
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- Localización: Journal of chemical education, ISSN 0021-9584, Vol. 93, Nº 1, 2016, págs. 166-171
- Idioma: inglés
- Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
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Resumen
A guided-inquiry project designed to teach students the basics of spectrophotometric instrumentation at the second year level is presented. Students design, build, program, and test their own single-wavelength, submersible photometer using low-cost light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and inexpensive household items. A series of structured prelaboratory assignments guide students through the processes of researching background information, designing a photometer device, and developing their own procedure to test the performance of the device. Students also learn basic skills of data acquisition by programming an easy-to-use LabVIEW interface for their device. Using a colorimetric indicator dye, students use their photometers and LabVIEW interfaces to determine the endpoint of an acid–base titration and compare the linear response of their device against that of a commercially available spectrophotometer. Students who completed the experiment indicated that the experience improved their understanding of spectroscopy, as well as their critical thinking skills and research ability.
