In 2020 with COVID19, we were unable to bring students physically into the laboratories to see the analytical chemistry instruments. To help replace this in-person experience, our teaching team prepared videos showcasing common analytical chemistry instruments, e.g. FTIR and UV/vis spectroscopy.
Given the new HSC syllabus, especially the Module 8 content, we thought these might be of general interest to NSW Year 12 high school students. Here, we show the instruments in a chemistry laboratory, but the same types of instruments attached to a telescope can be used to study exoplanetary atmospheres, as described by the Biosignatures Depth Study described on the other pages of this website.
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer
Instrument used for analysing the composition of materials based on their interactions with infrared light. It operates on the principle of Fourier transform spectroscopy, which involves measuring the interference pattern of a beam of infrared light that has interacted with a sample.
UV/Visible Spectrometer
Instrument designed to measure the absorption, transmission, or reflection of ultraviolet (UV) and visible light by a substance. It is commonly used in chemistry, physics, biochemistry, and other scientific disciplines to analyse the optical properties of materials.
Spectrophotometer (First Year lab, UNSW Sydney)
Scientific instrument used to measure the intensity of light at different wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum. It plays a crucial role in various scientific fields, including chemistry, biology, biochemistry, physics, and environmental science.