University Chemistry ›› 2024, Vol. 39 ›› Issue (9): 288-294.doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202401054

Special Issue:

• Science Education • Previous Articles     Next Articles

A Journey into the Science and Art of Sugar: “Dispersion of Light and Optical Rotation of Matter” Science Popularization Experiment

Yuhang Jiang, Weijie Liu, Jiaqi Cai, Jiayue Chen, Yanping Ren, Pingping Wu, Liulin Yang   

  1. National Demonstration Center for Experimental Chemistry Education (Xiamen University), College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, Fujian Province, China
  • Received:2024-01-19 Revised:2024-03-23 Published:2024-09-23
  • Contact: Pingping Wu, Liulin Yang E-mail:wuhua3@xmu.edu.cn;llyang@xmu.edu.cn

Abstract: We have developed a homemade sugar-based light experimental platform by specially designing an optical analyzer, allowing us to observe paper-cut art and dynamic rainbow boards. Moreover, by substituting the central sugar solution with sugar building blocks, we can create neon-colored building blocks. This apparatus is easy to set up and operate, with a clear and concise principle, meeting the requirements of popular science activities for safety, flexibility, and engaging demonstrations. Through observing the shifting colors, students can personally delve into the mysteries of the interaction between light and optically active molecules, thereby enhancing their appreciation of the beauty of physical chemistry.

Key words: Optical properties of sugar, Optical rotatory dispersion, Polaroids, Science popularization of chemistry