Polarimeter

A polarimeter is a scientific instrument for measuring the rotation of the plane of polarized light as it passes through a sample of a compound which exhibits optical activity.

Related Topics:
Instrument - Polarized light - Compound - Optical activity

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It consists of a long tube with flat glass ends, into which a solution of the sample is placed. At each end of the tube is a Nicol prism. Light is shone through the tube, and the prism at the other end (attached to an eye-piece) is rotated until all light is shut off. The angle of rotation is then read off of a scale. The specific rotation of the sample compound may then be calculated.

Related Topics:
Nicol prism - Specific rotation

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