Experiment No.

ObjectiveTo determine the specific rotation of sugar solution-using Bi-quartz Polarimeter.

Apparatus RequiredBi-quartz Polarimeter, light source, a glass tube, measuring flask and some sugar.
TheoryThe specific rotation of sugar solution is given by

S=
Where

V
l m ....o/dm,/gm./cm3

= Angular rotation in degree

V = Volume of water in c.c.
m = Sugar dissolved in gm.
l = Length of tube in decimeter

Figure-1

Procedure1 The polarimeter tube is first filled with distilled water. The air bubble that appears is
taken at the bulged center of the tube. The tube is then placed in the hollow pipe type
arrangement of the apparatus.
2 The light source is switched on. On looking through the eyepiece, two halves of unequal
intensity and color are observed. The analyzer at the eyepiece is rotated clockwise till the
two halves appear equally bright (almost light pink). This reading is noted by the main
scale & vernier scale provided at the eyepiece.
3 Now the sugar solution of known strength is prepared in distilled water (say 5 gm sugar
in 50 c.c. water). The tube is filled with this solution. Again two halves are not equally
bright. Rotate the analyzer to obtain the equal intensity position (light pink color), first in
clockwise direction and then in anti-clockwise direction..
4 Similarly, repeat the procedure for different strength of the solution (5 gm sugar in 75 c.c.
water & 5 gm sugar in 100 c.c. water).
5 Note all the readings in the observation table.
6 Measures the length of the tube in centimeters and change it in deci-meter.
Note- Dilute the solution by adding 25 ml water for next concentration every time.
ObservationsRoom temperature
= oC
Length of the tube
= dm.
Mass of sugar dissolved
= . gm.
Least count of polarimeter = .
Analyzer reading with sugar solution
Mean
Mean Concentra
AntiX Y
X ' Y ' = (a-b)in
Clockwise
Anticlockwi a
-tion
b
clockwise
2
Clockwise
degree
2
se
or
solution
Tot
Tot
Tot
Tot
gm/c.c
M.s. V.s. al M.s. V.s. al
M.s V.s. al M.s V.s. al
X
y
X'
Y
5
... ... ... .... ...
...
... ... ... ... ...
...
...
50
Analyzer reading with pure
water

5
75

...

...

... ...

..,

...

...

...

5
100

...

...

... ...

...

...

...

...

CalculationsPut the values in formula and calculate the value of S

S=

V
l m ..o/dm,/gm./cm3

ResultThe specific rotation of sugar solution (S) is degree per unit concentration per dm
Standard value of (S) for sugar is 66.5o per unit concentration per dm at oC.
Percentage errorPercentage error =

Standard valueObserved value

Standard value

x 100%

Precautions1 Polarimeter tube should be cleaned thoroughly before use.

2 Distilled water should be used.
3 Air bubble should be brought in central bulge portion of the glass tube before starting the
experiment.
4 The two glass ends of the tube should be cleaned for every set of observation.