Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry is spelled using English phonetics. The word is pronounced as /əˈtɒmɪk əbˌsɔːpʃən spektrəˈfɒtəmətri/. The word "atomic" is pronounced as /əˈtɒmɪk/ with the stress on the second syllable. "Absorption" is pronounced as /əbˈsɔːpʃən/ with the stress on the first syllable. "Spectrophotometry" is pronounced as /spektrəˈfɒtəmətri/ with the stress on the third syllable. The word describes a scientific method for analyzing the concentration of certain elements in substances.
Atomic absorption spectrophotometry is an analytical technique used to measure the concentration of a particular element in a sample. It utilizes the principle of absorption spectroscopy, which involves the absorption of light by atoms and ions in a gaseous state.
In atomic absorption spectrophotometry, a sample is first atomized and converted into a gaseous state. This process can be achieved through various methods such as flame, graphite furnace, or plasma. The desired element in the sample then selectively absorbs specific wavelengths of light when introduced into the atomizer.
The spectrophotometer consists of a light source that emits a specific wavelength of light, a monochromator that allows only that wavelength to pass through, and a detector that measures the intensity of the transmitted light. The sample is introduced into a cuvette or an atomization chamber, and the absorption of light by the atoms or ions present in the sample is measured. The amount of absorbed light is directly proportional to the concentration of the element in the sample.
Atomic absorption spectrophotometry is widely used in various fields such as environmental monitoring, pharmaceuticals, forensics, and agriculture. It is highly accurate, sensitive, and specific, allowing for the detection of trace amounts of elements in complex samples. Furthermore, it is a relatively quick and cost-effective method compared to other elemental analysis techniques, making it a popular choice in many laboratories.