Uses of Colorimeter: Overview, Questions, Preparation

Updated on Sep 1, 2021 04:54 IST

Colourimetry is the field in which a coloured compound's concentration in a solution is measured. A colorimeter, also known as a filter photometer, is an analytical system that calculates the absorption of a certain wavelength of light as a method to calculate a solution concentration. The colour is either the natural colour of the constituent itself or, by the inclusion of an acceptable reagent, attributable to the creation of a coloured species.

By treating a known quantity of the chemical substance, in the same way, the strength of the colour will then be compared with what is obtained. The colorimeter is an instrument that enables light and its intensity to be determined to match the colour as the human eye perceives it. The colorimeter contrasts the measured colour to the regular colours with the colour spaces.

Table of Contents

Colorimeter Uses
Principles of Colorimeter
Illustrated Examples
FAQs on Colorimeter

Colorimeter Uses

As the detector, a colorimeter is used for the human eye. The observed colour of the unknown sample is compared by the consumer to a standard or a set of colour standards for known concentrations.

In the printing industry, this unit, in addition to testing the electronic components and condition of pulp paper and calculating the quality of the printing ink, is a fundamental element of a colour management system.
A colorimeter is a compact and lightweight device that can be used on a TV or computer screen to the colour contrast and brightness, allowing the consumer to change the settings to get the best image of quality.
To measure the optical properties of precious gems, the colorimeter is often used by diamond merchants.
Skin tones and tooth colour can be studied to better detect dermal and dental diseases.
High blood concentrations of Hb indicate healthy health, although low levels mean that the internal organs and brain muscles do not receive enough oxygen supplies.
In cosmetology, the tool is often used to calculate the sun protection factor of the cosmetics which are added to the skin.
Hospitals use some forms of these instruments in real life to measure the concentration of haemoglobin in the blood. The blood becomes red while the Hb is oxygen-rich.

Principles of Colorimeter

A colorimeter can be used to determine the concentration of a chemical in a solution whether the chemical provides a characteristic colour to the solution.

The optical colorimeter device isolates a small waveband of light at a selected absorption peak for the chemical that is being tested.

The amplitude of the reflected light at the wavelength of absorption is a function of the concentration of the chemical in the solution.

When only the light at this wavelength is used, the rule of Beer is obeyed and the optimum sensitivity for the device is achieved.

The usage of a small wavelength band typically allows it easier to remove the absorption impact of other substances in the solution.

Uses of Calorimeter in Class 11:

In the chapter on thermodynamics, you will get to learn about it in detail along with other thermodynamics properties. The weightage of this chapter is 5-6 marks.

Illustrated Examples

What law is calorimetry based on?

Law of conservation of energy

Is HCl and NaOH neutralization: exothermic or endothermic?

It is exothermic.

What are the two main calorimeter types?

Two widely used types of calorimeters exist, calorimeters for a coffee cup and calorimeters for the blast.

FAQs on Colorimeter

Q. For what reason is a colorimeter used?

A. A colorimeter is a method that measures the amount of light that gets through a solution to the amount that can get through a pure solvent sample. A colorimeter includes a photocell that can detect the amount of light flowing into the examined solution.

Q. For other substances, is a colorimeter used?

A. For aspirin, colourimetry is also used. The slightest colour difference that the human eye does not capture can be detected by colourimetry. Samples produce a particular colour under the influence of chemical agents that shows the concentration of the material being examined.

Q. What are the colorimetric types?

A. They're divided into two groups. colour densitometers that measure primary colour density; colour photometers that measure propagation and reflection of colour. The colorimeter is typically used with the aid of the Beer-Lambert law to calculate the known concentration of solute in a solution.

Q. What's the principle of a colorimeter?

A. The colorimeter's working theory is based on the law of Beer-Lambert, which states that the amount of light consumed by a colour solution is directly proportional to the solution's concentration and the length of a light path through the solution.

Q. Why is colorimetry critical?

A. C olourimetry, frequency estimation, and electromagnetic radiation intensity in the visible portion of the spectrum. It is used widely for the detection and determination of light-absorbing quantities of substances.