Question

A 0.1% (w/v) solution of a protein absorbs 20% of the incident light. What fraction of light is transmitted if the concentration is increased to 0.4%? [Correct to two decimal places]

Hint:

Beer's Law relates absorption to concentration, so when concentration increases, absorption increases and the transmitted light decreases.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 0.4

Step 1: Understanding the relationship.
The absorption of light by a solution follows Beer's Law, which states that absorption is directly proportional to the concentration. Since absorption increases with concentration, the transmitted light decreases proportionally.
Step 2: Calculation.
At a concentration of 0.1%, 20% of light is absorbed, meaning 80% is transmitted. If the concentration increases to 0.4%, absorption will increase proportionally. The fraction of light transmitted can be calculated using the relationship between absorption and concentration. The transmitted fraction at 0.4% will be 10%.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The fraction of light transmitted is 0.10.