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How do you use a colorimeter?

Hi, can anyone explain to me how to use a colorimeter please? I'm trying to revise as many experiments as I can for my EMPA and I'm stuck on this one!!

Reply 1

Ch@r10tte

To use a colorimeter:
1) Chose which colour/wavelength band is best for your experiment (depending on what colour solutions you are likely to be measuring).
2) Select whether you are measuring absorbance or transmission.
3) Set a standard with a colourless solution (this should be done between changes in filter colour).
a) Fill cuvette with solution (e.g. distilled water for standard), around two-thirds full
b) Put the cuvette into the colorimeter, with the arrow on the cuvette at the position marked, so that the clear sides are facing the light source.
c) Read the sample (set to zero if a standard).
4) Taking readings - repeat the steps above, but with your sample.