Ultra-Violet Spectroscopy (work sheet)

ULTRAVIOLET VISIBLE (UV VIS) SPECTROSCOPY

8. 1999 #9 [20 marks]

(a) List the steps involved in analysis of samples by ultraviolet/visible

spectroscopy, using the following headings:

(i) Solution preparation

(ii) Obtaining the spectrum (8 marks)

(b)

Using the UV/VIS spectra as shown in Figures I and II above, discuss the

use of dimethylglyoxime in the ultraviolet/visible (UV/VIS) spectroscopic

analysis of iron and nickel (II). (4 marks)

(c) In the table below, a set of six standard phosphate-ion solutions with

their corresponding absorbance are listed.

Flask No. Phosphate ion Volume of Volume of Absorbance

concentration/m stock distilled water
g dm-3 phosphate added /cm3
1
 solution/30
mg dm-3/cm3
I 5 16.67 83.33 0.010
II 10 33.33 66.67 0.020
III 15 50.00 50.00 0.029
IV 20 66.67 33.33 0.039
V 25 83.33 16.67 0.049
VI 30 (stock solution) - - 0.059
(i) Plot the calibration curve: Absorbance vs. Phosphate ion

concentration.

(ii) From the calibration curve, use Beers Law A = c to calculate

the value. [Assuming = 1 x 10-2 m.] (8 marks)

Total 20 marks

9. 2005 #9 [20 marks]

The quantitative determination of minute quantities of analytical samples can be achieved

using ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy.

(a) State the principles on which ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy is based.

(5 marks)

(b) An experiment is carried out to determine the concentration of iron (II)

(Fe2+) found in water samples taken from a well. A measured volume of the water
sample is treated with a buffer and the reducing agent hydroxylamine, followed by the
reagent 1,10-phenanthroline, shown below. The resultant solution is then topped up to
a volume of 50 cm3. The solution is subsequently analysed in a cuvette, of side 1 cm,
at a wavelength of 510 nm in the UV/VIS spectrophotometer.

(i) What would be observed on the addition of the 1,10-

phenanthroline? (1 mark)

(ii) What properties of the organic reagent make it suitable for this

2
 analysis? (3 marks)

(iii) Suggest a reason for selecting a wavelength of 510 nm for analysis.

(1 mark)

(iv) Describe how a calibration curve could be obtained for this

analysis. (3 marks)

(c) An aqueous solution containing iron (II) (Fe2+) at a concentration of 2.5 x

10-3 mg cm-3 is subjected to the above treatment and measures an absorbance of

0.524. A water sample of unknown Fe2+ concentration is similarly treated and
measures an absorbance of 0.350.

(i) Calculate the concentration of the known iron (II) solution in mol

dm-3 of iron (II). (3 marks)

(ii) Apply the Beers law to calculate the molar absorptivity of the

known iron (II) solution. (3 marks)

(iii) Calculate the concentration of iron (II) in the unknown sample in

mol dm-3. (1 mark)

Total 20 marks

10. 2011 #5 [15 marks]

(a) (i) State the source of absorption in UV/VIS spectroscopy. (1 mark)

(ii) Use an energy level diagram to show the electronic transitions

that can occur in UV/VIS spectroscopy. (3 marks)

(b) (i) Define the term chromophore. (1 mark)

(ii) Naphthalene, P, the formula for which is given below, is a

constituent of coal tar, a crude oil residue.

3
 Suggest the chromophore in P that is responsible for the

absorption of UV radiation. (1 mark)

(iii) A sample of coal tar was subjected to solvent extraction using

ethanol. The volume of extract was reduced and a solution of P was obtained
by separation techniques. A sample of the solution in a cell of path 1 cm gave
an absorbance of 1.2 at a wavelength of 312 nm and an extinction coefficient
(molar absorptivity) of 288 dm3 mol-1 cm-3. Calculate the concentration of P in
the solution. (3 marks)

(c) Explain the use of calibration curves and standard solutions in UV/VIS

analysis. (4 marks)

(d) List TWO uses of UV/VIS spectroscopy in chemical analysis. (2 marks)

Total 15 marks