Identify additional problems and limitations in the use of colorimetric studies in

the school laboratory that are not described in the report below:

Identification of problems and limitations in the use of colorimetric measurements

in school chemical laboratories

Among all possible limitations and difficulties in conducting colorimetric

experiments in school chemical laboratories, the insufficient availability and
availability of specialized equipment should be put first, the reason for which is
the limited budget of educational institutions.
Colorimetry involves experiments involving various instruments, such as
spectrophotometers, colorimeters, and photometers. These devices are often
expensive and require regular calibration and maintenance. However, due to limited
funds, it may be difficult for schools to purchase this equipment in sufficient
quantities or to upgrade it as needed. In addition, the limited budget affects the
availability of the necessary chemicals and reagents used in colorimetric studies.
Colorimetric analysis often requires special chemicals and solutions to detect and
measure the concentration of substances based on color changes. These materials can
be expensive, and it can be difficult for schools with limited budgets to provide
enough of them. As a result, students may face limitations in conducting
experiments. In addition, insufficient budgets limit schools from offering
comprehensive training and professional development opportunities for colorimetric
research teachers. Educators must be aware of the latest advances in scientific
techniques and methodologies in order to effectively teach their students. The
limited budget also affects the general maintenance and infrastructure of school
laboratories. For successful colorimetric research, laboratories must be well
equipped, well lit and well ventilated. However, due to financial constraints,
schools may not have the funds to renovate or upgrade their laboratories to meet
these requirements. In such an environment, it may be difficult for students to
obtain accurate and consistent results, hindering their understanding of
colorimetry.
Another phenomenon that is a noticeable problem in the context of conducting
experiments in school science laboratories is the insufficient time given to study
topics related to colorimetry and conduct colorimetric experiments in the
laboratory. Hands-on experiments are critical for students to develop basic skills
such as using colorimetric instruments, making measurements, and analyzing
experimental data. However, with only 2 academic hours to complete 2 colorimetry
experiments over two years (1 academic hour in 10th grade and 1 academic hour in
11th grade), students should be given opportunities to participate in meaningful
hands-on activities. As a result, their practical skills remain underdeveloped,
hindering their ability to absorb theoretical knowledge and learn to apply it to
real-world situations.
It is also important to mention the factors that can have a negative impact
directly on the conduct of the research:
1. Device calibration:
Instrument calibration plays a critical role in ensuring accurate measurements.
Spectrophotometers or colorimeters must be calibrated regularly according to the
manufacturer's instructions. Failure to calibrate the instrument may result in
errors in absorbance readings, resulting in incorrect concentration determinations.
Calibration involves adjusting the instrument to a known reference standard or
blank solution, which allows establishing a baseline for accurate measurements.
2. Cuvette cleanliness:
The cuvettes, the small containers that contain the samples in the
spectrophotometer or colorimeter, must be clean and free of any residue or
contamination. Residual substances or fingerprints on cuvettes can interfere with
light transmission, causing inaccuracies in absorbance readings. Cuvettes should be
handled with care, washed with appropriate cleaning solutions or solvents, rinsed
thoroughly with distilled water, and dried before use.
3. Choice of wavelength:
The choice of wavelength is important in colorimetry because it determines the
specific range of light used to measure absorbance. Different colored compounds
have different absorption characteristics and choosing the wrong wavelength can
lead to inaccurate readings. It is important to choose a wavelength that
corresponds to the maximum absorption of the test compound, as indicated by the
absorption spectrum. An inappropriate wavelength can lead to decreased absorbance
readings and underestimation of concentration.
4. Sample preparation:
Proper sample preparation is critical for accurate measurements. Errors can occur
if samples are prepared inconsistently or if they contain impurities or
contamination. Samples should be prepared with accurate measurements using
appropriate techniques such as pipettes or graduated cylinders to ensure accurate
concentration values. Contamination by other substances or cross-contamination
between samples can introduce errors and affect accuracyness of measurements.
5. Temperature and environmental conditions:
Temperature and environmental conditions can affect the accuracy of colorimetric
measurements. Changes in temperature can affect the behavior of colored compounds
by changing their absorption characteristics. It is important to conduct
measurements under controlled temperature conditions to minimize any potential
influence. Additionally, ambient light sources or external factors such as
vibration or electromagnetic interference must be minimized or eliminated to
maintain measurement accuracy.
To mitigate the negative consequences of errors, it is important to
emphasize the importance of accurate measurements, correct instrument calibration,
and adherence to experimental protocols. Enabling students to critically analyze
their data, identify sources of error, and discuss the limitations of their
conclusions can help them develop a more robust understanding of colorimetry and
improve their ability to draw accurate conclusions from reliable data.
Additionally, discussing potential errors and their consequences during post-
experiment discussions or when analyzing results can help correct any
misconceptions and improve student learning.
It should also be added that a possible cause of difficulties during
colorimetric research may be late updating of literature (textbooks) and methodical
recommendations for conducting chemical experiments, in particular colorimetric
ones. Scientific progress often introduces new reagents and instruments that
increase the accuracy and precision of colorimetric measurements. However, if
literature and guidelines do not keep pace with these developments, schools may not
be aware of the availability or benefits of these new resources.
Updated literature and methodological guidelines often provide relevant
examples and applications of colorimetric experiments in various scientific
disciplines. Without timely updates, students may miss out on the interdisciplinary
connections and practical applications of colorimetry. This limits their
understanding of the wider context and real meaning of the experiments.
Lost educational opportunities: Late updating of literature and methodological
recommendations can lead to lost educational opportunities for students. New
experiments, techniques, and concepts may not be incorporated into the curriculum,
depriving students of an engaging and challenging learning experience. This can
affect their general understanding of colorimetry and limit their ability to apply
their knowledge in different contexts.