A Simple Demonstration of Optical Activity A Simple Method to Show

edited by

GEORGE L. GILBERT Denison University Granwlle. Ohio 43023

A Simple Demonstration of Optical Activity J a c k E. Fernandez University of South Florida Tampa, 33620

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Checked by:

Timothy Gray Denison Uniuersity Granuille, Ohio 43023

Apparatus Two plastic Polaroid films (12 X 12 in.)' Two cuvets at least 1i n 2 cross section and 3 4 in. tall. Two 100-ml beakers can also be used. A solution of sucrose prepared by dissolving -50 g of sucrose in 100 ml water. An overhead projector. Demonstration Polarized light-the properties of plane polarized light are demonstrated hy laying the Polaroid films on the working surface of the overhead projector and then rotating one of them (see figure, parts a, b). Water. a n ooticalls inactive substance- lace a cuvet tilled with wate; on on; of the I'olaroid films. ~ a ; l dthe wwnd fdm vurullt4 t*, the first w d wer the cwet. The ~olariaedlight that basses throurh the wuter is ihnked out when the .iec