SPECTROPHOTOMETRY Meaning and
Definition
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Spectrophotometry is a scientific technique used to measure the intensity of light at different wavelengths in order to understand the absorption, transmission, and emission properties of a substance. It is primarily used in chemistry and biology to analyze the concentration of a specific substance in a solution.
The process of spectrophotometry involves passing a beam of light through a sample and measuring the intensity of light before and after it passes through the sample. The instrument used for this purpose is called a spectrophotometer, which consists of a light source, a monochromator to isolate specific wavelengths, a sample holder, and a detector. The measurements obtained by the spectrophotometer can then be used to determine the concentration of the substance of interest in the sample, by comparing it to a set of reference standards.
One of the key principles behind spectrophotometry is Beer-Lambert's Law, which states that there is a linear relationship between the concentration of a substance and the absorbance (the logarithm of the ratio of incident and transmitted light intensities) of light passing through it. This law allows for the quantification of substances based on the absorbance measurements obtained during spectrophotometry.
Spectrophotometry has a wide range of applications, including determining the concentration of a particular analyte in a solution, studying the kinetics of chemical reactions, characterizing the light-absorbing properties of pigments, and identifying unknown substances by comparing their absorption spectra to known compounds. It is a fundamental tool in various scientific fields, enabling qualitative and quantitative analysis of substances based on their interaction with light.
Common Misspellings for SPECTROPHOTOMETRY
- spectrophotometre
- spectrophotometar
- apectrophotometry
- zpectrophotometry
- xpectrophotometry
- dpectrophotometry
- epectrophotometry
- wpectrophotometry
- soectrophotometry
- slectrophotometry
- s-ectrophotometry
- s0ectrophotometry
- spwctrophotometry
- spsctrophotometry
- spdctrophotometry
- sprctrophotometry
- sp4ctrophotometry
- sp3ctrophotometry
- spextrophotometry
- spevtrophotometry
- speftrophotometry
- Spectropotmetry
Etymology of SPECTROPHOTOMETRY
The word "spectrophotometry" is derived from three main roots: "spectro-", "photo-", and "-metry".
1. "Spectro-" is derived from the Greek word "spectron", meaning "that which is seen" or "a sight". This root is linked to the notion of light and perception.
2. "Photo-" is derived from the Greek word "phōs" (φῶς), meaning "light". It refers to the interaction of light with the subject being studied.
3. "-metry" is derived from the Greek word "metron" (μέτρον), meaning "measure". It is a suffix used to indicate measurement or the process of measuring.
Combining these roots, "spectrophotometry" refers to the measurement of light interaction with a sample or substance.
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