Description: This demonstration presents an example of optical activity. Because of its molecular shape, when corn syrup is passed between two polarizing discs, it will appear differently colored.
Equipment:
- Corn Syrup
- 2 polarizing filters
- Small beaker with flat bottom
- 5 small rods
- 2 rod stands
- 5 S clamps
- 1 Clamp
- 2 ring stands
- Mounted laser pointer
- Mirror
Setup Procedure:
- Place the 2 rod stands next to each other
- Attach the mounted laser to an S clamp and place it on the bottom of a stand
- Attach an S clamp to the same stand as the laser at the top
- Attach the mirror and small rod to another S clamp, and attach that to the top S clamp on the stand
- On the other stand attach an S clamp to the bottom with a ring stand on it.
- Above the S clamp with a ring stand attach another S clamp with the clamp and beaker in the clamp
- At the top of the rod stand attach another ring stand to an S clamp
- Put the 2 polarizing filters atop the ring stands
Demonstration Procedure:
- Turn the laser on
- Turn one of the polarizing filters so that you see the laser beam disappear
- Add corn syrup to the beaker slowly to see the polarization reverse
- When finished, turn off the laser
Laser Light
Do not stare at the laser beam. Do not point the laser at students
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