Flame Emission Spectrophotometry Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover the key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture notes on Flame Emission Spectrophotometry, intended for exam preparation.

Flame Emission Spectrophotometry

A technique used to measure light emitted by excited atoms, primarily for determining concentrations of alkali metals.

Electromagnetic Spectrum

The range of all types of electromagnetic radiation, including visible light.

Wavelength

The distance between two crests of a wave; it is different for each part of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Photon

The basic structure of light that travels in waves and carries energy.

Excited State

The energy state an electron occupies when it has absorbed energy and is not in its ground state.

Ground State

The lowest energy state of an atom where its electrons are in their most stable orbit.

Nebulizer

A device that converts a sample solution into a fine mist or aerosol for introduction into a flame.

Monochromator

An optical device that isolates specific wavelengths of light from a mixture before it reaches a detector.

Photodetector

A component that converts light energy into an electrical signal proportional to the light intensity.

Internal Standard System

A method of quantitative analysis where a known amount of an additional substance is added to both samples and standards for comparison.

Laminar Flow Burner

A type of burner designed to create a homogeneous and stable flame used in flame spectrometry.

Flame Photometry

A method of analysis used primarily for measuring concentrations of alkali and alkaline earth metals.

Sodium Flame Emission

The characteristic light emitted by sodium when it returns to its ground state, used in spectral analysis.

Desolvation

The process where a sample containing metal particles is dehydrated by the heat of the flame.

Atomization

The conversion of a volatilized sample into free atoms, allowing for light emission.

Electro Thermal Vaporization

A sample introduction method where a sample is vaporized in a closed chamber, often using inert gas.

Pneumatic Nebulization

The most commonly used nebulization method where a sample solution is converted into an aerosol using compressed gas.

Calibration Plot

A graphical representation used to determine the concentration of an unknown sample based on known standards.

Limitations of FES

The method is not suitable for transition metals, susceptible to interference, and only liquid samples can be analyzed.

Applications of FES

Used for estimating metal levels in bodily fluids, analyzing fuel for lead, and determining metal concentrations in various industries.