Absorption spectroscopy (/əbˈsɔːrpʃən spɛkˈtrɒskəpi/) is a scientific technique used to study the interaction of matter with electromagnetic radiation. This technique measures the amount of light absorbed by a sample as a function of wavelength. The spelling of absorption spectroscopy can be explained using the IPA phonetic transcription, where the stressed syllables are indicated with a ' in the transcription. The word is pronounced with three syllables and the emphasis on 'sorp' which is spelled as 'sɔːrp' in the transcription.
Absorption spectroscopy is a scientific technique used to study the interaction between light and matter. It involves measuring the amount of electromagnetic radiation absorbed by a substance as a function of wavelength or frequency.
In this technique, a sample of the substance to be analyzed is exposed to a broad spectrum of radiation, typically ultraviolet, visible, or infrared light. The substance selectively absorbs certain wavelengths of light according to its unique molecular structure. This absorption results from electrons in the atoms or molecules of the substance transitioning from lower energy levels to higher energy levels, absorbing photons of specific energy. The absorbed radiation corresponds to specific energy transitions, forming a characteristic absorption spectrum.
By analyzing this absorption spectrum, information about the chemical composition, concentration, and physical properties of the substance can be obtained. Absorption spectroscopy allows scientists to identify and quantify the presence of specific molecules or atoms in a sample, as different compounds or elements have distinct absorption spectra.
There are various types of absorption spectroscopy, including UV-Vis (Ultraviolet-Visible), NIR (Near Infrared), and IR (Infrared) spectroscopy, each of which utilizes different regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. These techniques have applications in diverse fields such as chemistry, physics, biology, environmental science, and medicine, among others. Absorption spectroscopy is a powerful analytical tool for exploring the fundamental properties and behavior of matter, enabling researchers to gain valuable insights into the physical and chemical characteristics of substances.
The word "absorption spectroscopy" consists of two primary terms: "absorption" and "spectroscopy".
1. Absorption:
The term "absorption" originates from the Latin word "absorbere", which means "to swallow up". It is formed by combining the prefix "ab-" (meaning "away from") and the root "sorbere" (meaning "to suck up" or "to swallow"). In English, "absorption" refers to the process of absorbing or soaking up something.
2. Spectroscopy:
The term "spectroscopy" is derived from the Latin word "spectrum", which means "appearance" or "image". "Spectrum" originates from the Latin verb "spectare", meaning "to look" or "to watch". The suffix "-scopy" has Greek roots, derived from "skopeo", meaning "to examine" or "to observe".