RGB-ColorMeter on Smartphones as Simple Spectrophotometer: an Alternative Way to Learn Spectrophotometry at the Vocational High School of Chemical Analyst
Maria Paristiowati (a*), Moersilah (a), Muktiningsih (a), Annisa Nur Fitria (a)

a) Department of Chemistry Education, Universitas Negeri Jakarta
Jl. Rawamangun Muka Jakarta 13220, Indonesia
*) maria.paristiowati[at]unj.ac.id

Abstract

This study aims to improve students understanding of the Vocational High School of Analyst Chemistry on spectrophotometric concepts through experiments using smart phone technology. The ColorMeter application with matching red green blue (RGB) colors is used as a simple spectrophotometry. The use of smart phone technology as a simple spectrophotometry in practicum can maximize spectrophotometric learning activities that are often constrained by the limitations of the tool, so that learning objectives can be achieved properly. This RGB–ColorMeter application can be used to read the transmittance of a colored solution by utilizing the complementary colors of the solution being tested. Transmittance data obtained is used to find the absorbance of the solution, so that it can determine the concentration of a substance in the solution. The results showed that the application of RGB–ColorMeter can show a linear graph between concentration and absorbance. The whole process is carried out individually by each student starting from the stages of designing, using, and reviewing this simple spectrophotometer. Students understanding of spectrophotometric concepts increases because each student follows the process thoroughly from the beginning to the final stages of the spectrophotometry practicum. So it can be concluded that the application of RGB–ColorMeter can be used as a simple spectrophotometer in the spectrophotometry practicum at the Vocational High School of Analyst Chemistry.

Keywords: RGB-ColorMeter, simple spectrophotometer, Vocational High School of Analyst Chemistry

Topic: Chemistry