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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2007  > August  >
In the Laboratory
JCE Classroom Activity
Fluorescent Fun: Using a Homemade Fluorometer
M. Farooq Wahab
Department of Chemistry, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, PAKISTAN
Cover
August 2007
Vol. 84 No. 8
p. 1312A

Abstract
This activity highlights fundamental aspects of fluorescence phenomena using a homemade fluorometer constructed from items readily available in the home. The activity investigates the fluorescence of highlighter marker ink using a flashlight or white LED as a light source, colored cellophane sheets as filters, and the human eye as a detector. The activity relates to the concepts of excitation and emission, Stokes shift, and the dependence of fluorescence on the intensity of light.
Supplement
Photos, a "More Things to Try" section that uses a manual spectrophotometer or colorimeter, and transmission spectra of colored inkjet printer transparencies are available.
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Citation
Wahab, M. Farooq. J. Chem. Educ. 2007, 84, 1312A.
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Keywords
Analytical Chemistry; First-Year Undergraduate / General; Fluorescence Spectroscopy; Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives; High School / Introductory Chemistry; Instrumental Methods; Student-Centered Learning
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History
Created:
Last Updated:
6/22/2007
7/5/2007
 Caution! 
Experiments, laboratory exercises, lecture demonstrations, and other descriptions of the use of chemicals, apparatus, instruments, computers, and computer interfaces are presented in the Journal of Chemical Education as illustrative of new or improved ideas or concepts in chemistry instruction and are directed at qualified teachers. Although every effort is made to assure and encourage safe practices and safe use of chemicals, the Journal of Chemical Education cannot assume responsibility for uses made of its published materials. Many chemicals are hazardous. Precautions for the safe use of hazardous chemicals and directions for their proper disposal are described in the Material Safety Data Sheets and on the labels. We strongly urge all those planning to use materials from our pages to make choices and to develop procedures for laboratory and classroom safety in accordance with local needs and situations.
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