Color Spectra and Spectrophotometry: Wavelengths, Absorbance, and Applications

What is the purpose of a spectrophotometer?

To measure the wavelengths of light a solution or gas transmits or absorbs and how much it absorbs or transmits.

What is the wavelength range of visible light?

Approximately 400-800 nm.

What does ROY G BIV stand for?

The colors of the visible spectrum in order: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet.

What is spectroscopy?

A tool that uses light or electromagnetic radiation to gather information about samples, including their color, temperature, size, speed, and composition.

What is absorbance?

The amount of light absorbed by a sample.

What is transmittance?

The amount of light that passes through a sample.

What components are found in a spectrophotometer?

Light source, monochromator, entrance slit, dispersing element, exit slit, sample compartment, photodetector, and readout device.

What role does the monochromator play in a spectrophotometer?

It isolates narrow bands of wavelengths from the light source.

How does a spectrophotometer measure light?

The photodetector measures the amount of light transmitted through the sample.

What is the significance of the cuvette in a spectrophotometer?

It holds the sample in the path of the light between the exit slit and the photodetector.

What is the relationship between wavelength and color?

Different wavelengths correspond to different colors; for example, violet has the shortest wavelength and highest energy.

What is the function of the dispersing element in a spectrophotometer?

To separate the light beam into various wavelengths of the spectrum.

What is the role of the readout device in a spectrophotometer?

To display the information from the photodetector, either as a meter reading or a digital display.

What types of applications use spectrophotometry in industry?

Analysis of drinking and waste water, food, beverages, drugs, and quality control of various products.

How can spectroscopy be used in astronomy?

To measure the elemental composition of stars, distances to galaxies, and the atmospheres of other planets.

What is the significance of the visible light spectrum?

It is the range of wavelengths that humans can perceive with their eyes.

What happens to white light when it passes through a prism?

It is separated into its component colors.

What does the term 'mass spectrometer' refer to?

An analytical device used to measure the mass-to-charge ratio of ions.

What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength?

Higher frequency corresponds to shorter wavelength and vice versa.

What is the significance of the wavelength 400 nm in the visible spectrum?

It is the approximate wavelength for violet light, which has the highest energy.

What is the significance of the wavelength 800 nm in the visible spectrum?

It is the approximate wavelength for red light, which has the lowest energy.