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3.1: Pre-lab assignment

  • Page ID
    450916
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    Please read this entire module on ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectroscopy. This module should take less than one lab period. It is part of a two-part series with the theme of caffeine analysis in beverages. First, in this module, you will create a serial dilution of caffeine and characterize the solutions using UV-vis. Store your solutions in sealed vials for use in the next module. You have three objectives:

    1. Create a series of caffeine solutions for use in this and the next module.
    2. Determine the wavelength of maximum absorbance for each solution.
    3. Validate the serial dilution using a control.

    Written Pre-lab Assignment

    Complete the following in your lab notebook and be prepared to discuss these points with your TA.

    1. In writing, please explain the advantages to using multi-point calibration compared to single-point calibration.
    2. Describe how you should choose appropriate wavelengths in the following scenarios:
      1. to quantitate a single component in solution.
      2. to quantitate two or more components in a solution.
    3. Prepare a procedure for creation of the caffeine standard solutions described in this module.
    4. Prepare a table in your notebook to record absorbance data.

    This page titled 3.1: Pre-lab assignment is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Kathryn Haas.