Spectroscopy Flashcards
How are individual metals able to produce a unique emission spectrum?
When electrons absorb energy they are able to move up to a higher energy level (the electron moves from the ground state to ‘excited’). As the electrons move back down to their original level they release the energy again. This energy produces the emission spectrum which is made up of a particular set of frequencies/wavelengths that are unique to each element.
Why does the emission spectrum of the hollow cathode lamp need to match the metal being analysed by AAS?
The metal has the ability to absorb the exact frequency/wavelengths in the emission spectrum. Therefore the absorption will correlate / be proportional to the concentration of metal present.
Which part of the mass spectrometer deflects the atoms?
Magnetic or magnetic field.
Why is the magnetic field required?
When ions passing the magnet or magnetic field, they change their direction.
Emission spectroscopy and atomic absorption spectroscopy difference?
Coloured lines in emission spectrum represent colours that are emitted; dark sections represent frequencies that are absorbed. The colours here are used to identify the element. In AAS all colours are absorbed and show up on the final product where the dark lines are used to identify the element.
