A new scale is suggested, with the objective of simplifying relationships between the various scales and units used in spectroscopy. Although there are certain drawbacks to such a scale, it is hoped that the suggestion will stimulate discussion on the relevance of the many scales and units that are used. (Author/BB)

Surveys new laser techniques and a variety of spectroscopic experiments that can be used to detect, measure and study very small numbers of atoms on molecules. The range of applicability of these techniques is also included. (HM)

Presents an experiment involving the identification of FD&C dyes by visible spectroscopy. (SL)

Describes an experiment for recording two individual spectrophotometer response curves. The two curves are directly related to the power of transmitted beams that pass through a solvent and solution. An absorption spectrum of the solution can be constructed from the calculated rations of the curves as a function of wavelength. (JN)

Background information, procedures used, and typical results obtained are provided for an experiment that examines the ability of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to distinguish between structural isomers via resonance multiplicities and chemical shifts. Reasons for incorporating the experiment into organic, analytical, or physical chemistry…

Although infrared spectroscopy is used primarily for qualitative identifications, it is possible to use it as a quantitative tool as well. The use of a standard curve to determine percent methanol in a 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol sample is described. Background information, experimental procedures, and results obtained are provided. (JN)

An experiment which introduces students to infrared spectroscopy and the solubility behavior of various organic compounds is described. The experiment also serves to integrate some of the basic chemical reactions of functional groups with their spectral properties. (JN)

Laser enhanced ionization (LEI) occurs when a tunable dye laser is used to excite a specific atomic population in a flame. Explores the origin of LEI's high sensitivity and identifies possible avenues to higher sensitivity by describing instrument used and experimental procedures and discussing ion formation/detection. (Author/JN)

Describes an experiment which has helped physical chemistry students learn principles of absorption spectroscopy, the effect of solvent polarity on absorption spectra, and some micellar chemistry. Background information and experimental procedures are provided. (JN)

Describes an experiment illustrating how such chemical concepts as light absorption, thermodynamics, and solid-state photovoltaics can be incorporated into solar energy education. Completed in a three-hour period, the experiment requires about two hours for data collections with the remaining hour devoted to calculations and comparison of results.…

Experimental procedures, typical observations, and results for the simultaneous analysis of Fe(III) and Cu(II) in a solution are discussed. The method is based on selective interaction between the two ions and potassium hexacyanoruthenate(II) in acid solution involving no preliminary sample preparations. (Author/JN)

Describes a simple, inexpensive experiment for extraction of synthetic dyes permitted in foodstuffs, and their separation and identification using thin-layer chromatography and ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy. (Author/SK)

The correct usage of such terminology as "Rayleigh scattering,""Rayleigh lines,""Raman lines," and "Tyndall scattering" is resolved during an historical excursion through the physics of light-scattering by gas molecules. (Author/JN)

Describes several experiments to teach different aspects of the statistical analysis of data using household substances and a simple analysis technique. Each experiment can be performed in three hours. Students learn about treatment of spurious data, application of a pooled variance, linear least-squares fitting, and simultaneous analysis of dyes…

A laboratory experiment for undergraduate biophysical chemistry is described, in which the acid concentration and temperature dependences of the decarboxylation of pyrrole-2-carboxylate are measured using a continuous ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometric assay. Data collection and analysis are structured using principles of guided inquiry. Data…