Atomic Emission Spectroscopy Overview

Vocabulary flashcards related to Atomic Emission Spectroscopy concepts and terms.

Atomic Emission Spectroscopy

An analytical technique used to measure concentrations of elements in samples through the measurement of light emitted from excited atoms.

Analyte

The substance whose chemical constituents are being identified and measured.

Atomization

The process of converting a sample into its atomic vapor form, which is essential for emission spectroscopy.

Excited State

A condition of an atom where it has absorbed energy and is at a higher energy level than its ground state.

Monochromator

An optical device that isolates specific wavelengths from a broader spectrum of light.

Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP)

A high-temperature plasma used as an energy source for atomization and excitation in atomic emission spectroscopy.

Spectrometer

An instrument used to separate light into its component wavelengths for analysis.

Calibration Curve

A graph used in quantitative analysis that plots the concentration of an analyte against its measured response.

Nebulization

The process of converting a solution into an aerosol for introduction to the atomizer in spectroscopy.

Boltzmann Equation

An equation that relates the population of atoms in excited and ground states to temperature.

Detector

A device that measures the intensity of light emitted from excited atoms in atomic emission spectroscopy.

Self-Absorption

A phenomenon that occurs when emitted light from the analyte is absorbed by the same analyte in the sample, affecting accuracy.

Ionization

The process of adding or removing charged particles to/from an atom, which can interfere with measurements in spectroscopy.

Statistical Weights (g1/g0)

The ratio of the number of atomic states for electrons in higher and lower energy levels, affecting the distribution of excited vs. ground state atoms.

Signal Processing System

The electronic system that receives the detector's output and translates it into readable data for analysis.

Auxiliary Gas

A gas that helps to center and support the plasma flow in the torch, preventing the melting of the quartz tube.

Plasma Tail

The visible extension of the plasma where excitation can also take place but is less utilized for analytical purposes.

Hydrodynamic Equilibrium

A condition in which the distribution of particles in the aerosol remains stable as it is transported to the plasma.

RF Generator

Radio frequency generator used to create the electromagnetic field for sustaining the plasma in ICP.

Signal Interference

Unwanted alterations to the measured signal, often caused by overlapping spectral lines or background noise.

Excitation Energy

The energy required to move electrons from lower energy levels to higher ones in an atom.