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The document provides a detailed explanation of how breathalyzers work to estimate blood alcohol content (BAC) from breath samples. It describes the chemical reactions involved, particularly the reaction between ethanol and dichromate ion, which results in a color change used to determine BAC levels. The document also outlines a laboratory procedure for measuring ethanol content in wine using similar principles, including preparation of color standards and comparison with test samples.

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What is the science behind breathalyzers?

Accuracy depends on the sample of breath being deep lung air (alveolar air). As the driver breathes out, the device continuously monitors the expired air using an infrared cell. The concentration of ethanol climbs as expiration continues, and when the level of ethanol stabilises, the sample of breath is analysed.

When was the first breathalyzer introduced?

The first stable breathalyzer for out-of-lab use was developed by Rolla N. Harger in 1931 and named, hilariously, the drunkometer. This early breathalyzer functioned very differently from modern ones: it relied on a colour change due to a reaction between alcohol in the breath and acidified potassium permanganate.

How does a breathalyser detect alcohol in your breath?

The alcohol vapor in a persons breath reacts with an orange solution known as potassium dichromate. When alcohol is present, this solution turns green. This color change creates an electrical current, which the breathalyzer can convert into a value to determine the BAC. Generally, the BAC limit in the U.S. is 0.08%.

What is the chemistry behind the breathalyzer?

Principle: The breathalyzer is a redox reaction. When the potassium dichormate reacts with ethanol it loses an oxygen atom (gets reduced), going from the orange dichromate to the green chromium sulfate. At the same time dichromate is being reduced, ethanol gains an oxygen atom (gets oxidized), forming acetic acid.

How does a breathalyzer know youre ?

You exhale into the mouthpiece. Your breath enters a chamber filled with potassium dichromate and other chemicals, which are a red-orange color. Alcohol reacts to this solution and changes the liquids color to green. The degreeof color change is related to the level of alcohol in your exhaled breath.

What kills alcohol breath for a breathalyzer?

Despite popular myths, theres no quick way to sober up or beat a breathalyzer test. Tricks like using mouthwash, mints, or hyperventilating will not lower your BrAC and can even raise it. The only way to sober up is to give your body enough time to metabolize the alcohol.

What is the chemistry behind a breathalyzer?

Breathalyzer sensors A breath sample is bubbled through an aqueous solution of sulfuric acid, potassium dichromate, and silver nitrate. The silver nitrate acts as a catalyst, allowing the alcohol to be oxidized at an appreciable rate.

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What is the science behind breathalyzers?

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What is the science behind breathalyzers?

When was the first breathalyzer introduced?

How does a breathalyser detect alcohol in your breath?

What is the chemistry behind the breathalyzer?

How does a breathalyzer know youre ?

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