SPECTROPHOTOMETER Meaning and
Definition
-
A spectrophotometer is a scientific instrument used to measure the intensity of light at different wavelengths. It is characterized by its ability to measure both the amount and the color of light absorbed or transmitted by a substance. This highly precise technique allows scientists to analyze the composition and concentration of substances within a given sample.
The instrument operates by passing a beam of light through the sample and measuring the amount of light that emerges from the other side. By utilizing a prism, a diffraction grating, or other optical components, the spectrophotometer separates the light into its constituent colors or wavelengths. It then detects and quantifies the intensity of light at each specific wavelength, creating a spectral plot.
Spectrophotometers find wide applications in various scientific fields, particularly in chemistry, biochemistry, and molecular biology. They are commonly employed for measuring the concentration of substances in solutions, as well as for analyzing the absorption spectra of chemical compounds. Additionally, spectrophotometers are instrumental in determining the purity of a substance, monitoring chemical reactions, and investigating the properties of materials.
As technology has advanced, more sophisticated spectrophotometers have been developed, allowing for higher accuracy and faster data acquisition. These advancements have facilitated numerous scientific discoveries and advancements in a range of disciplines, making spectrophotometers an essential tool in modern research and analysis.
-
An instrument for determining the intensity of color in a solution by comparing it with the color in a spectrum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SPECTROPHOTOMETER
- apectrophotometer
- zpectrophotometer
- xpectrophotometer
- dpectrophotometer
- epectrophotometer
- wpectrophotometer
- soectrophotometer
- slectrophotometer
- s-ectrophotometer
- s0ectrophotometer
- spwctrophotometer
- spsctrophotometer
- spdctrophotometer
- sprctrophotometer
- sp4ctrophotometer
- sp3ctrophotometer
- spextrophotometer
- spevtrophotometer
- speftrophotometer
- spectrophotometre
- spectrophotomater
- Spectrophotomitor
Etymology of SPECTROPHOTOMETER
The word "spectrophotometer" is derived from two roots: "spectro" and "photometer".
1. "Spectro" is from the Latin word "spectrum", which means "appearance" or "appearance by color". It refers to the range of colors or wavelengths of light.
2. "Photometer" comes from the Greek word "phos" meaning "light" and "metron" meaning "measure". It refers to an instrument used to measure the intensity or quality of light.
Combining these roots, "spectrophotometer" refers to an instrument that measures the intensity of light across different wavelengths or colors, typically used in scientific applications to analyze and quantify the absorption or transmission of light by a substance.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
