Annabella Taylor (Lower Sixth)

On Wednesday, the Sixth Form A-Level and IB Chemists embarked on a hands-on practical workshop about Spectroscopy, which is the study of the way light (electromagnetic radiation) and matter interact.

The workshop, Spectroscopy in a Suitcase gives students the chance to learn about spectroscopy through hands-on experience. As well as covering the principles of spectroscopic techniques, the activities use real-life contexts to demonstrate the applications of the techniques.

We were immersed in a murder mystery, which involved testing various chemicals, using an Infra-Red (IR) Spectrometer, to find out which chemical killed Mr. Blue. This instrument, which is used by forensic scientists to solve crimes, is worth £15,000. Many police forces across the world now routinely use IR, almost certainly without realising it. This is because many breathalysers used to collect evidence to determine levels of alcohol in breath are IR spectrometers.

We all thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to use technology, usually only used in university level labs, as well as, a chance to challenge our deductive reasoning in Chemistry.

Many thanks to Dr. Gates for organising this fantastic afternoon and to the team from Spectroscopy in a Suitcase.