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cuvette

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

A cuvette is a small, transparent container that is used to hold samples in laboratory experiments. Cuvettes are typically made of quartz or plastic, and they come in a variety of sizes.

Cuvettes are used in a variety of experiments, including:

  • Spectroscopy: Cuvettes are used to hold samples that are being analyzed by a spectrometer. The spectrometer shines light through the sample, and the cuvette helps to ensure that the light is evenly distributed.
  • Absorbance measurements: Cuvettes are used to measure the absorbance of a sample. Absorbance is a measure of how much light is absorbed by a sample.
  • Fluorescence measurements: Cuvettes are used to measure the fluorescence of a sample. Fluorescence is a phenomenon in which a molecule absorbs light at one wavelength and emits light at a different wavelength.

Cuvettes are an important tool in many laboratory experiments. They help to ensure that the experiments are conducted accurately and consistently.

How can the word be used?

The absorbance of the solution was measured using the cuvette.

cuvette

Different forms of the word

Noun: cuvette (plural: cuvettes).

Etymology

The word "cuvette" comes from the French word "cuvette," which means "small basin." The French word "cuvette" is ultimately derived from the Latin word "cupa," which also means "basin.".

Question

What are cuvettes used for?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

A cuvette is an essential component in spectrophotometry. Define what a cuvette is and explain its significance in measuring the absorbance of a sample in a spectrophotometer.

Answer:

A cuvette is a small, transparent container, typically made of glass or plastic, used in spectrophotometry to hold liquid samples. It has a rectangular or square shape with optically clear sides to allow light to pass through.

In spectrophotometry, a cuvette plays a critical role in measuring the absorbance of a sample. Absorbance is the amount of light absorbed by a sample at a particular wavelength. When a sample is placed in the cuvette, light passes through the sample, and the spectrophotometer measures the amount of light absorbed.

The cuvette's transparency ensures that light passes uniformly through the sample, and its specific dimensions provide a defined path length for the light. This path length is crucial for accurately determining the sample's absorbance. By comparing the intensity of the incident light to the transmitted light, spectrophotometers can calculate the absorbance and, subsequently, the concentration of the substance in the sample.

In summary, a cuvette is a transparent container used in spectrophotometry to hold liquid samples and plays a vital role in accurately measuring the absorbance of the sample. Its design ensures consistent light transmission, allowing for precise and reliable analysis of various substances in scientific research and analytical applications.