Basic Principles of Atomic Spectroscopy

A collection of vocabulary terms and definitions related to atomic spectroscopy techniques and principles.

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS)

A technique for measuring the concentration of elements by detecting the light absorbed by free atoms.

Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)

A mass spectrometric technique that can determine trace metals and other elements with high sensitivity by ionizing the sample.

Planck’s Constant (h)

A fundamental constant used in quantum mechanics, approximately equal to 6.63 x 10^-34 Js, representing the proportionality of energy and frequency.

Ground State

The lowest energy state of an atom, where all electrons occupy their lowest energy levels.

Excited State

A state in which an atom has absorbed energy and one or more electrons have moved to a higher energy level.

Emission Spectrum

The spectrum of light emitted by excited atoms as they return to a lower energy state, displaying specific wavelengths.

Ionization

The process by which an atom or molecule gains or loses electrons, resulting in the formation of ions.

Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (FAAS)

A method that uses a flame to vaporize and atomize a sample for the analysis of elemental composition.

Quantum Law

The principle stating that absorption or emission of radiation occurs in discrete energy packets (quanta).

Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (MP-AES)

A technique that utilizes microwave-induced plasma to excite atoms for elemental analysis.

Frequency (ν)

The number of occurrences of a repeating event per unit of time, often associated with electromagnetic wave oscillations.

Wavelength (λ)

The distance between successive crests of a wave, typically measured in meters.

Spectrometer

An instrument that separates light into its component wavelengths for analysis.

Electron Volt (eV)

A unit of energy equal to the energy gained by an electron when it is accelerated through a potential difference of one volt.

Nebulizer

A device that converts liquid samples into aerosol droplets for analysis in spectroscopic techniques.

Diffraction Grating

An optical component with a periodic structure that separates light into its component wavelengths.

Spray Chamber

A component that removes large droplets from an aerosol before it enters the plasma in atomic spectrometry.