Polarimeter (Chemical)
The Chemical Polarimeter is a device used for measuring the rotation of plane-polarized light caused by optically active substances such as organic, inorganic, or biological compounds.
Description
The Polarimeter can be used to measure chiral properties of optically active samples without chemically modifying or destroying the sample. This is a vertical polarimeter that uses a 589 nm LED, a fixed polarizer, and a manually rotated polarizer to detect changes in rotation of plane-polarized light in the presence of an optically active compound. Used with Vernier technology, students no longer have to determine the optical maximum with their eye but have a graph that shows a clear change in the light’s polarization.
Sample Data
Videos
4:07
3:14
Specifications
- Encoder Resolution: 0.25°
- Accuracy (optical rotation measurements): ±1°
- Sensitivity: typically up to OD 2
- Optical Encoder: Bidirectional, quadrature encoder, 360 cycle per revolution
- Light Source: LED
- Wavelength (nominal): 589 nm
Experiments and Lab Ideas
Organic Chemistry with Vernier (5)
Includes student instructions, teacher tips, safety information, and sample data.
Go to Book Page
Lab Ideas and Innovative Uses
Identifying Sugars in Everyday Beverages
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Lab Ideas
- Determine sugar solution purity by optical rotation.
- Characterize the purity of organic and inorganic syntheses yielding chiral products.
- Determine the enantiometric purity of optically active compounds.
- Resolve racemic mixtures.
- Study the kinetics of acid-catalyzed hydrolysis.
- Study the kinetics of enzyme-catalyzed hydrolysis.
- Explore the optical activity of amino acids.
Free Experiments
Preview and/or edit the polarimetry experiments for your curriculum by downloading the experiments below. The Student download includes objectives, materials, procedures, and analysis. The Instructor download includes notes, sample results and graphs, and answers.
| Experiment | Download | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Understanding Polarimetry | Student | Instructor |
| 2 | Observing the Reaction Kinetics of Sucrose with Polarimetry | Student | Instructor |
| 3 | Isolation and Characterization of Protein and Sugar from Milk | Student | Instructor |
| 4 | Isolating the Enantiomers of 1-Phenylethylamine by Fractional Crystalization | Student | Instructor |
Compatibility Requirements
The Polarimeter (Chemical) may require a compatible interface and software. Choose a platform below to see compatible interface and software options.
LabQuest 2Full SupportThe Polarimeter (Chemical) is fully supported with LabQuest 2 (version 2.8.5), a standalone data logger with built-in graphing and analysis software.
Learn more about LabQuest 2 »
ComputersSoftware Interface Graphical Analysis 4 for ComputersVersion 4.9 Logger ProVersion 3.15 LabQuest Mini Coming soon Full support LabQuest 2 Full support 1 Full support LabQuest Stream Coming soon Full support Original LabQuest(discontinued) Coming soon Full support LabPro(discontinued) Incompatible Full support Compatibility Notes
- Full support of this sensor is only available when LabQuest 2 is connected to a computer or Chromebook via Wireless Data Sharing. Future software updates will support the use of this sensor with LabQuest connected via USB to computers or Chromebooks.
ChromebookSoftware Interface Graphical Analysis 4 for ChromeVersion 4.9 LabQuest Mini Coming soon LabQuest 2 Full support 1 LabQuest Stream Coming soon Original LabQuest(discontinued) Coming soon Compatibility Notes
- Full support of this sensor is only available when LabQuest 2 is connected to a computer or Chromebook via Wireless Data Sharing. Future software updates will support the use of this sensor with LabQuest connected via USB to computers or Chromebooks.
iOSSoftware Interface Graphical Analysis 4 for iOSVersion 4.9.1 Graphical Analysis GW for iOSVersion 4.0.5 LabQuest Stream Coming soon Incompatible LabQuest 2 Full support 1 Full support 1 Compatibility Notes
- iOS and Android™ devices can only connect to LabQuest 2 via Wireless Data Sharing.
- Android
Software Interface Graphical Analysis 4 for AndroidVersion 4.9 Graphical Analysis GW for AndroidVersion 3.2 LabQuest Stream Coming soon Incompatible LabQuest 2 Full support 1 Full support 1 Compatibility Notes
- iOS and Android™ devices can only connect to LabQuest 2 via Wireless Data Sharing.
Additional PlatformsYou can also use the Polarimeter (Chemical) with these platforms:
Arduino
LabVIEW
Original LabQuest
Texas InstrumentsWhat’s Included
- Vernier Chemical Polarimeter
- One Chemical Polarimeter Sample Cell
- User manual
Ordering Information
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Support
Resources
Contact Us
- Web: Online Support Form
- Email: support@vernier.com
- Phone: 1-888-837-6437
Warranty
5-year limited warranty (consumables excluded)
Related Products
Educational use only: Vernier products are designed for educational use. They are not appropriate for industrial, medical, or commercial applications. Product usage disclaimer »