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About This Simulation
Build your own spectrophotometer to discover how you can measure substances with light
Learning Objectives
- Summarize how a spectrophotometer is used to measure absorbance data
- Link the major components of a spectrophotometer to their functions within the instrument
- Choose an optimal wavelength for measuring a compound of interest using absorbance spectrum data
About This Simulation
Lab Techniques
- Spectrophotometry
Related Standards
- Technical support for relevant Lab Investigations
- Generic technical support for relevant Lab Investigations
- Generic technical support for practical skill development
Learn More About This Simulation
This targeted mini-simulation is part of the larger “Spectrophotometry: Learn the Beer-Lambert law with absorbance experiments.”
The spectrophotometer is an unsung hero of many important discoveries in chemistry, life sciences, and beyond. In this simulation, you’ll explore the mechanics at the heart of the technique.
Build your spectrophotometer
Go under the hood of the spectrophotometer and solve the puzzle of how its components fit together. Can you figure out which pieces do what, and how they all work together in the finished instrument?
Over four brief missions, you’ll cover the core concepts of photometric investigation (including why different substances require different instrument settings), the relationship between concentration and absorbance, and how light can be harnessed as a powerful diagnostic tool for scientific exploration.
Explore the instrument without worrying about mistakes!
During the spectrophotometer building mission, you can try out different configurations and see how they impact the lightpath used to measure a sample -- all without worrying about expensive mistakes. Try out different ideas, and learn as you go! The complexity of the spectrophotometer’s components and function increases over four levels of interaction, guiding you from photometric first principles to data interpretation for protocol optimization.
Interpret absorbance spectra to find your experiment’s optimal settings
Once your instrument is up and running, you’ll need to determine the optimal settings for running an experiment. Using absorbance spectra of some compounds of interest, you’ll interpret the data and figure out how to best measure a substance of interest using specific wavelengths of light. Can you master the technique and unlock the full potential of spectrophotometry?
RELATED SIMULATIONS
Spectrophotometry: Learn the Beer-Lambert law with absorbance experiments
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For Science Programs Providing a Learning Advantage
North Dakota State College of Science
“They did the simulation at home, then completed the in-person lab within 30 minutes, no questions asked, and passed the quiz with flying colors.”
Lecturer in Human Physiology
University of Westminster
"I saw some of the students who clearly didn’t necessarily like sitting there reading a book discover they could turn on Labster and keep up with the rest of the class because it spoke to them.
Modesto City Schools
"Having something that's engaging for the students gives teachers that opportunity to breathe and get excited again. Because they're seeing the kids light up, they're seeing the kids engage with content."
Wenatchee Valley College
"The question always is, ‘Can we demonstrate that the students are meeting course outcomes?’ Check! We can do that.”
San José State University
"We surveyed over 400 students. More than 90% thought Labster was easy to navigate, and that it was fun, but more importantly, most of them felt confident that they could execute the labs in person. And that confidence is a big deal."
Boost STEM Pass Rates
Boost Learning with Fun
75% of students show high engagement and improved grades with Labster
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Place Students in the Shoes of Real Scientists
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FAQs
Find answers to frequently asked questions.
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A Labster virtual lab is an interactive, multimedia assignment that students access right from their computers. Many Labster virtual labs prepare students for success in college by introducing foundational knowledge using multimedia visualizations that make it easier to understand complex concepts. Other Labster virtual labs prepare learners for careers in STEM labs by giving them realistic practice on lab techniques and procedures.
Labster’s virtual lab simulations are created by scientists and designed to maximize engagement and interactivity. Unlike watching a video or reading a textbook, Labster virtual labs are interactive. To make progress, students must think critically and solve a real-world problem. We believe that learning by doing makes STEM stick.
Yes, Labster is compatible with all major LMS (Learning Management Systems) including Blackboard, Canvas, D2L, Moodle, and many others. Students can access Labster like any other assignment. If your institution does not choose an LMS integration, students will log into Labster’s Course Manager once they have an account created. Your institution will decide which is the best access method.
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Labster supports a wide range of STEM courses at the high school, college, and university level across fields in biology, chemistry, physics, and health sciences. You can identify topics for your courses by searching our Content Catalog.