Respirometer

• A respirometer is used to collect the data required to calculate RQ value
• 1. potassium hydroxide is added into the respirometer chamber, the alkali absorbs carbon dioxide
• 2. over a set time, a volume of oxygen is consumed and although carbon dioxide is produced, it is absorbed by the potassium hydroxide 
• 3. Therefore, the volume of gas decreases according to the volume of oxygen consumed
• 4. The volume of oxygen consumed is equal to the volume of dye moved in a fixed time interval 
• 5. Repeat the process using water instead of potassium hydroxide, the CO2 produced in respiration is not absorbed by water 
• 6. If the droplet does not move, there is no change in pressure. CO2 produced is equal to O2 consumed. RQ - 1, carbohydrate 
• 7. If the droplet moves away from the respirometer, there is more CO2 produced than oxygen taken in
• 8. If the droplet moves towards the respirometer there is less CO2 produced than oxygen consumed