Instruction Sheet
for the PASCO
Model CI- 6561
Carbon Dioxide Sensor
012-08402A
Introduction
The Carbon Dioxide (CO
2
) Gas Sensor measures
carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere or an
enclosed space, such as a terrarium. The sensing
element uses NDIR (non-dispersive infrared)
technology .
The sensor consists of an infrared (IR) source and an
IR thermopile element. The thermopile element is
covered with a narrow band filter that only passes IR
energy at 4.27 microns; a wavelength that is absorbed
by the CO
2
gas. As CO
2
concentration increases, the
IR energy ‘seen’ by the thermopile decreases. The
relationship between the CO
2
gas concentration and
the absorption of IR energy is similar to that of Beer’s
Law.
Although calibration of the Carbon Dioxide Sensor is
generally not required, a calibration button allows
users the option of calibrating. A selectable switch on
top of the sensor allows the user to select between two
ranges: 0 to 10,000 and 0 to 100,000 ppm.
Suggested Applications
• Plant respiration vs. photosynthesis
• Cellular respiration
• Animal respiration
• Air quality evaluations
• Sublimation of solid CO
2
• Rate of CO
2
generation in reactions
• Decomposition of organic materials in soils
• Measurement of carbon dioxide concentration from
various sources, such as from a greenhouse, expired
air before and after exercise, automobile exhaust
emissions, or various locations in a city.
Equipment included:
• Carbon Dioxide Sensor (CI-6561)
• Bottle (721-003)
Additional equipment required:
•
ScienceWorkshop®
interface
• DataStudio software (version 1.8.0 or later)
Carbon Dioxide Sensor
bottle
probe
stopper
