Left arrow black
Back to simulations

Flow Injection Analysis Virtual Lab

Let’s awaken your curiosity for the chemistry of caffeine. Learn how Flow Injection Analysis (FIA) helps scientists measure the concentration of caffeine in your drinks.

Try for FreeTry for Free
Green Checkmark Icon

High School

Green Checkmark Icon

University / College

Logo Taylor's UniversityArizona State University LogoLogo uOttawaLogo Univ. Essex
Labster is used by 1,000's of amazing schools and universities
Learn more
Blue Arrow Right
 
Flow Injection Analysis

About this Simulation

Lego blocks and caffeine make an interesting combo. In this simulation, you will learn that a couple of scientists actually used lego blocks to build the first version of the Flow Injection Analysis (FIA) machine. You’ll use the technique to measure caffeine levels in various beverages.

Explore the parts of the flow injection machine

Not every real-life lab has a FIA machine, and it’s definitely not everyday that you get to look inside one. So in this simulation, you’ll get to explore the different parts of the FIA machine in detail through a 3D animation that illustrates the main mechanisms of the machine. You’ll soon understand how the machine detects caffeine, and apply this knowledge to your experiments.

Optimize and perform the experiment

Before you carry out an experiment, you will have to optimize the FIA machine for use. You can alter different machine parameters, to help generate the most accurate results. Once you have optimized the machine and prepared samples, you are ready to perform your experiment! Lots of beverages are waiting to be tested.

Compute the caffeine concentration

When you have finished your experiment, you’ll want to present your results in the best way possible. After creating an absorbance graph, you’ll employ your stoichiometry knowledge to determine the caffeine concentration of each beverage.

Maybe coffee is not the best drink for getting up or staying awake after all… maybe it’s hot chocolate! Will you be able to find out which beverages will cure you from sleepiness?

Learning Objectives

At the end of this simulation, you will be able to:

  • Measure caffeine concentration in different samples using the Flow Injection Analysis (FIA) technique

  • Describe the importance of the different parts of the FIA machine (e.g. the spectrophotometer, the pump, or the mixing coil)

  • Describe the advantages of the FIA method

  • Calculate the velocity at which a sample will be eluted

  • Prepare sample dilutions and standard curves

  • Interpret the results from a FIA experiment

  • Determine the concentration of an unknown caffein sample by using the standard curve

Techniques in Lab

At the end of this simulation, you will be able to:

  • Flow Injection Analysis

How do virtual labs work?

Engage students in science through interactive learning scenarios. Simulate experiments, train lab techniques, and teach theory through visual experiences that enhance long-term learning outcomes.

Green Checkmark Icon

300+ Web-based simulations that can be played on laptops, Chromebooks, and tablets/iPads without installing any software

Green Checkmark Icon

Teacher dashboard to automate grading and track student progress

Green Checkmark Icon

Embedded quizzes to help students master science content

Green Checkmark Icon

Library of learning resources, lab reports, videos, theory pages, graphics and more

Book a Free Consultation

Relevant Course Packages

All Course Packages
Black arrow right

Get Started Now!

Try Labster with your students right away.
Green Checkmark Icon

Track student progress

Green Checkmark Icon

Assess with embedded quiz questions

Green Checkmark Icon

Invite your students to play simulations

Green Checkmark Icon

Explore over 300 Labster simulations

Green Checkmark Icon

30 days for free, no credit card needed

Start your free trial today to discover the possibilities with Virtual Labs

Integrate with your LMS

Labster integrates with all major LMS (Learning Management Systems) so that educators can use their gradebooks to track students’ performance data and students can keep a record of their work. Labster is compatible with Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle, Google Classroom, Schoology, Sakai, and Brightspace / D2L. It’s also possible to use Labster without an LMS.

How to Integrate Your LMS
Blue Arrow Right

Frequently asked questions

What do students learn in the "Flow Injection Analysis" simulation?
What is the simulated Chemistry scenario in this virtual lab?
What other Chemistry labs does Labster offer?