Who Designed the Breathalyzer?
The breathalyzer refers to dozens of types of breath-analyzing products. Smith and Wesson designed the Breathalyzer in the 1950s. They are designed to measure the blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Through this device, alcohol can be accurately measured by using a sample of a person's breath. That's because alcohol is absorbed through the membranes of the mouth, throat and later in the stomach and intestines.
How Does the Breathalyzer Work?
A simple type of breathalyzer is constructed from a straw through which the person blows through to capture a sample of his breath. The breathalyzer device contains two containers. One is made of silver nitrate and water, and the other one is made of potassium and sulfuric acid.
The sulfuric acid removes the alcohol from the breath sample. Alcohol is "trapped" into the liquid solution. That's where potassium dichromate causes it to separate into water, acetic acid, chromium sulfate, and potassium sulfate. Color changes indicate how much alcohol was expelled through the breath.
How is the BAC Measured?
This reaction occurs in one container. The breathalyzer has an electrical system that operates a needle that moves when the chemical reaction is underway. Once it is complete, the person using the device turns a knob to return the needle to its
starting point: the more the knob is turned, the higher the BAC.
Tags: sulfuric acid