Colorimeter/Potometer

What does a Colorimeter measure?

Absorbance/transmission

The paler the solution, the lower the absorbance and higher the transmission, as more light can pass through the sample.

Unknown conc of reducing sugar test

1. Benedict's test on a range of standard solutions of reducing sugar

2. Use colorimeter to measure transmission of each

3. Plot a graph of transmission against reducing sugar conc

4. Benedicts test on unknown solution and measure transmission using colorimeter

5. Plot transmission on calibration curve and read off x axis for the conc of the unknown solution

What indicates a higher reducing sugar conc?

Higher absorbance,

Lower transmission.