An Experimental Introduction to Basic Principles of the Interaction of Electromagnetic Radiation with Matter

Patrick Schairer^1, , Stephan Wagner² and Ekkehard Geidel¹

¹Didactics of Chemistry, Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany

²Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany

Cite this paper:
Patrick Schairer, Stephan Wagner and Ekkehard Geidel. An Experimental Introduction to Basic Principles of the Interaction of Electromagnetic Radiation with Matter. World Journal of Chemical Education. 2018; 6(1):29-35. doi: 10.12691/wjce-6-1-6

Abstract

To understand basic principles about the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with matter is often a challenge in chemical education due to the difficult theoretical background of this topic. The present contribution therefore offers an experimental based introduction into the basic principles of UV/Vis spectroscopy following a three-step strategy. The starting point is to construct a simple self-built spectrometer working within the visible range of light. Learners can explore the most important components of such a device and understand their functions without previous knowledge. In a second step, emission spectra of different common light sources are investigated and compared. Finally, spectroscopic experiments are suggested for chemical education such as the qualitative detection of cations and the quantitative analysis of the dye carmine in food. This context-based introduction links chemical applications with the everyday life. It can be presumed that this way, learners are provided an easier access to radiation-matter interaction.

Keywords:
UV/Vis spectroscopy low-cost spectrometer flame test quantitative analysis carmine

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