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Photoelectric colorimeter — reference view
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Sample compartment

Receives the sample cell in the instrument’s light path. Use the cell and orientation specified for this model.

Zoom in, then drag to inspect. Keyboard: + / − to zoom, arrows to pan, 0 to reset. Tap the numbered markers to explore parts.

Photoelectric colorimeter — reference view

Image: Sonal Shinde · Source / original · CC BY-SA 4.0

Resized and converted to WebP; original colours retained.

Photoelectric colorimeter

Photometry & pH

Photoelectric colorimeter

Filter photometer · colorimetry

THE FIRST VIVA QUESTION

What is its use?

Measures light absorption by coloured solutions in suitable biochemical assays.

Tap a number to locate its part. Zoom, drag or use full screen to inspect the reference. Models and graduations can differ; check the actual apparatus used in your laboratory.

01 / IDENTIFICATION

How to recognise it.

  1. Sample compartment for a cuvette
  2. Wavelength selection or filter controls
  3. Absorbance or transmittance readout
Tell the difference.

A solution colorimeter measures transmission through a sample; a display-calibration colorimeter measures screen colour and is a different instrument.

02 / NUMBERED PARTS

Point them out.

Choose a part to bring its numbered marker into view.

03 / WORKING PRINCIPLE

The science behind the reading.

A selected band of light passes through a sample. Within the validated linear range, absorbance is proportional to concentration at a fixed optical path length.

04 / VIVA PRACTICE

Think first. Then reveal.

Explain your answer aloud before opening it.

01State Beer–Lambert law.
SUGGESTED ANSWER

A = εlc: absorbance equals molar absorptivity × path length × concentration under the law’s applicable conditions.

02Why use a reagent blank?
SUGGESTED ANSWER

It accounts for absorbance from the solvent, reagents and cuvette so the analyte-related change can be assessed.

03Why select a suitable wavelength?
SUGGESTED ANSWER

Sensitivity and specificity depend on the analyte or reaction product’s absorption spectrum and the assay method.

04Does any dark solution give a reliable concentration?
SUGGESTED ANSWER

No. Turbidity, interfering substances and readings outside the validated range can invalidate the result.

Read the references.

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