Teaching Light Scattering to Reinforce Basic Principles

Paul S. Russo , Brian Fong , Elena Temyanko and Holly Ricks
Department of Chemistry and Macromolecular Studies Group, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803
Drew S. Poche
Department of Chemistry and Physics, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, LA 70402
J. Chem. Educ., 1999, 76 (11), p 1534
DOI: 10.1021/ed076p1534
Publication Date (Web): November 1, 1999

Abstract

The fundamental equations used in the static light scattering analysis of polymer solutions are introduced with explanation of their foundation in thermodynamics. A simple link between the ideal gas law, osmotic pressure, and the static light scattering technique is developed, showing how concepts introduced in freshman chemistry for gases and reinforced in physical chemistry for solutions of small molecules can be extended naturally to a difficult problem of enormous practical importance: the characterization of large, macromolecular chains. Other important concepts, such as wave interference, spatial frequency, and stratagems for handling data are also discussed in the context of the static light scattering experiment.

Keywords (Audience):

Upper-Division Undergraduate

Keywords (Domain):

Polymer Chemistry

Keywords (Pedagogy):

Computer-Based Learning

Keywords (Subject):

Lasers
View: Hi-Res PDF | PDF w/ Links

Tools

SciFinder Links

SciFinder subscribers: Click to sign in | Not a SciFinder subscriber? Learn more at www.cas.org

Explore by:

History

  • Received: August 03, 2009

Recommend & Share

  • Share on ACS NetworkACS Network
  • Add to FacebookFacebook
  • Tweet ThisTweet This
  • Add to CiteULikeCiteULike
  • Add to NewsvineNewsvine
  • Digg ThisDigg This
  • Add to DeliciousDelicious

Related Content