Abstract

Utilizing Scanning Electron Microscopy for Use in High School Chemistry Laboratories

Janicki, Emily L.; Gault, Joe H.; Rosmus, Kimberly A.; Larry, Nolan R.; Aiken, Jennifer A.
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Duquesne University


Abstract:
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is used to observe the surface morphology of a material and to measure sample features such as crystallite size. Through this project, an experiment was designed that remotely utilizes the SEM in high school chemistry laboratories via internet connection. The purpose of the experiment is to observe the morphologies crystal sizes of basic salt and sugar specimens and then to synthesize crystalline candy of the two. The morphological information recorded by using the SEM is then used to create a hypothesis of which morphological features the crystalline candies would display. The candies are then imaged using the SEM to prove or disprove the hypothesis.