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Citation: Yuhang Jiang, Weijie Liu, Jiaqi Cai, Jiayue Chen, Yanping Ren, Pingping Wu, Liulin Yang. A Journey into the Science and Art of Sugar: “Dispersion of Light and Optical Rotation of Matter” Science Popularization Experiment[J]. University Chemistry, ;2024, 39(9): 288-294. doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202401054 shu

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

National Demonstration Center for Experimental Chemistry Education (Xiamen University), College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, Fujian Province, China

Received Date: 19 January 2024
Revised Date: 23 March 2024

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.
- Optical properties of sugar,
- Optical rotatory dispersion,
- Polaroids,
- Science popularization of chemistry
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