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Light Absorption: A Project to Dye For

CSEF · 2017 Physics & Astronomy

Emily E. McDermott · Vanden High School, Fairfield, Solano County

Overview

Objectives/Goals The objective is to understand how light is absorbed by pigments. Methods/Materials Different concentrations of food coloring were contained in small vials. Light was shown through them and the amount of light let through to the other side was measured by the analog light meter. A spectroscope was then used to identify what light waves were being absorbed. Results When graphed, the light was shown to be absorbed nonlinearly. More dye absorbed more light, but, with the smaller concentrations of dye absorbing more light per particle than the heavier concentrations. After a certain concentration, there is a point where light will still shine through, though adding more food coloring will have no effect. Conclusions/Discussion The ratio of pigment concentration to light is nonlinear. This means the electrons in the dye's atoms absorb certain energies of light more quickly than others, but once they are absorbed they can no longer be absorbed again.

Summary statement

I meausered the amount of light that escaped through different consentrations of food coloring.

Help received

My father gave me ideas for this project, I then relied on him for financial support.

Competition history

  • CSEF 2017 Physics & Astronomy · Entry S1819

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