Cuvette facts for kids
A cuvette is a small, clear tube used in science labs. It's like a tiny container for liquids. Scientists use cuvettes to hold samples when they do special tests called spectroscopic experiments.
These tubes are usually shaped like a small square or circle. One end is closed, and the other is open. Cuvettes can be made from plastic, glass, or a very clear material called quartz.
What is a Cuvette Used For?
Cuvettes are super important for a science method called spectroscopy. This method helps scientists learn about materials. They shine light through a sample in the cuvette. Then, they measure how much light passes through.
For this to work well, the cuvette must be very clear. It should not have anything inside that could block or change the light. This helps make sure the measurements are accurate.
Different Kinds of Cuvettes
Just like a test tube, some cuvettes are open at the top. Others might have a lid made of glass or another material. This lid helps keep the sample safe inside.
The material a cuvette is made from depends on the experiment.
- Plastic cuvettes are often used for simple tests.
- Glass cuvettes are good for many experiments.
- Quartz cuvettes are the clearest. They are used for special light, like ultraviolet (UV) light, which glass might block.
Images for kids
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Dansyl chloride solution in a cuvette
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1 mL and 3 mL cuvettes
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A cuvette in a spectrophotometer
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Quartz cuvette
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A UV quartz cuvette
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UV-VIS spectrophotometer used with cuvette
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Pointing the clear side of cuvette toward the light source
See also
In Spanish: Cubeta (química) para niños
