ATOMIC ABSORPTION SPECTROSCOPY Meaning and
Definition
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Atomic absorption spectroscopy is an analytical technique utilized to determine the concentration of individual metal elements in a sample by measuring the absorption of electromagnetic radiation. This spectroscopic method relies on the principle of atomic absorption, which states that when atoms absorb photons of specific wavelengths, they transition from a ground state to an excited state. Atomic absorption spectroscopy is widely employed in various scientific fields, including environmental analysis, clinical chemistry, and metallurgy.
In practical terms, the sample is atomized and then subjected to a beam of radiation, typically from a hollow cathode lamp emitting light at the specific wavelength characteristic of the element being measured. The photons from the radiation are absorbed by the atoms of the target element in the ground state, causing the electrons to undergo a temporary transition to a higher energy level. The absorption of light is quantified by measuring the decrease in radiation intensity as it passes through the sample.
The concentration of the metal element is then determined by comparing the absorption intensity of the sample to that of a calibration curve obtained from known standard solutions. Atomic absorption spectroscopy offers excellent sensitivity and selectivity, enabling the detection and quantification of trace metal elements down to parts per billion (ppb) levels.
Overall, atomic absorption spectroscopy is a precise and widely used technique that allows for the reliable analysis of metal concentrations in a wide range of samples. Its applications range from environmental monitoring to clinical diagnostics, making it an essential tool in various scientific and industrial settings.
