Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Polarography, James Mccarty

Honors Theses

Jaroslav Heyrovsky invented the technique of polarography about 1920 at Charles University in Prague. With proper use one can obtain both qualitative and quantitative analyses of solutions of electro-oxidizable or electro-reducible substances at concentrations.

The key part of a polarography is the dropping mercury electrode. This consists of a fine bore capillary tube connected to a large reservoir of mercury. Each tiny drop which falls from the capillary has approximately the same surface area and takes about the same time to form and fall. The greatest advantage is that each drop is actually a new electrode, and there is consequently …

Special Studies In Biochemical Instrumental Methods, Parvin Waymack

Honors Theses

Two useful methods of biochemical analysis are infrared and ultraviolet spectroscopy. The occurrence of absorption bands in the infrared region can be predicted for some of the simpler molecules. Theoretically, in order for a molecule to absorb radiation it must possess a vibrational or rotational frequency the same as that of the electromagnetic radiation, and a change in the magnitude and/or direction of the dipole moment must take place. The change in dipole moment may be caused by asymmetrical vibration or asymmetrical rotation of the molecule.

Chronopotentiometry Of Metals, Lana Sue Legrand

Honors Theses

For a long time now the general characteristics of potential-time curves in constant current electrolysis have been known and studied. In 1901 Sand derived his equation giving a relationship for the transition time, providing that the solution is unstirred and linear diffusion is the controlling factor.

Calcium Carbonate Determinations, James Phelan

Honors Theses

Calcium compounds are abundant in nature. The carbonate ion may exist in many varieties, such as aragonite and limestone. Of major importance in the following discussion, however, is calcite. Calcium carbonate may well be of animal origin, prime examples being sea shells, coral, and chalk. Dolomite, on the other hand, is a double carbonate of calcium and magnesium. Calcium in natural waters exists mainly as a bicarbonate, Ca(HCO3)2, which is temporary hardness, or as a sulfate, which is permanent hardness.

From determinations made periodically (every two weeks) since August 1966, a decrease has been found in the calcium content as …