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Related Concept Videos

UV–Vis Spectrometers01:14

UV–Vis Spectrometers

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The absorbance of UV and visible (UV–visible) radiations is measured using a UV–visible spectrophotometer. Deuterium lamps, which emit UV radiation, and tungsten lamps, which produce radiation in the visible region, are used as light sources in UV–visible spectrophotometers. A monochromator or prism is used for diffraction grating, i.e., to split the incoming radiation into different wavelengths. A system of slits is used to focus the desired wavelength on the sample cell.
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Spectrophotometry: Introduction01:16

Spectrophotometry: Introduction

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Spectrophotometry is the quantitative measurement of the absorption, reflection, diffraction, or transmission of electromagnetic radiation through a material as a function of the intensity and wavelength of the radiation. A spectrophotometer is a device used to measure the change in the radiation intensity caused by its interaction with the material.
The essential components of a spectrophotometer include a source of electromagnetic radiation, a slot for placing a material to be analyzed, and a...
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Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Instrumentation01:22

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Instrumentation

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An atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) comprises several components: a radiation source, an atomizer, a monochromator, and a detector. The radiation source can be a hollow-cathode lamp (HCL) or an electrodeless-discharge lamp (EDL), both of which provide a narrow emission line of the required wavelength. However, some instruments use continuum sources and high-resolution monochromators to achieve a narrow range of radiation.
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UV–Vis Spectroscopy: Beer–Lambert Law01:09

UV–Vis Spectroscopy: Beer–Lambert Law

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The Beer-Lambert law describes the relationship between absorbance and concentration, which combines the principles established by scientists Johann Heinrich Lambert and August Beer. Lambert's law states that when light passes through a medium, the loss in intensity is directly proportional to the original intensity and the path length of the light. Beer's law proposed that the transmittance of a solution remains constant if the product of concentration and path length is constant. The modern...
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Ultraviolet and Visible (UV–Vis) Spectroscopy: Overview01:02

Ultraviolet and Visible (UV–Vis) Spectroscopy: Overview

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Ultraviolet–visible (UV–visible or UV–Vis) spectroscopy is an analytical technique that investigates the interaction between matter and UV–Vis light within the electromagnetic spectrum. This method is widely used for its versatility, simplicity, and relatively quick data acquisition, making it valuable for both qualitative and quantitative analysis. When UV–Vis radiation passes through a material,  molecules absorb light depending on the energy required for...
4.5K
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Lab01:21

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Lab

1.0K
For AAS measurements, samples must be introduced as clear solutions, often requiring extensive preliminary treatment to dissolve materials like soils, animal tissues, and minerals. Common methods for sample preparation include treatment with hot mineral acids, wet ashing, combustion in closed containers, high-temperature ashing, or fusion with reagents.
 Solutions containing organic solvents, such as low-molecular-mass alcohols, esters, or ketones, enhance absorbances by increasing...
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Characterization of Biological Absorption Spectra Spanning the Visible to the Short-Wave Infrared
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An LED-based multi-sample absorbance spectrophotometer for chemistry and biochemistry.

David P Goldenberg1

  • 1School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America.

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This study presents a low-cost spectrophotometer for measuring solute concentrations using light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Its modular design and low power consumption make it ideal for educational and field applications.

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Area of Science:

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Spectroscopy
  • Instrumentation

Background:

  • Solute concentration determination is crucial in various scientific fields.
  • Traditional spectrophotometers can be expensive and complex.
  • Need for accessible and cost-effective instrumentation for educational purposes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a low-cost, modular spectrophotometer for measuring visible light absorbance.
  • To design an instrument suitable for undergraduate laboratory experiments and field studies.
  • To enable students to assemble and understand spectrophotometer construction.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized interchangeable light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as cost-effective light sources.
  • Employed a photodiode detector and Arduino microprocessor for signal processing.
  • Incorporated a modular design for easy assembly and disassembly.
  • Integrated an LCD panel for display and USB interface for data transfer.

Main Results:

  • The instrument accurately measures absorbance of visible light (400-650 nm) in liquid samples.
  • Demonstrated suitability for parallel kinetic experiments with up to six samples.
  • Achieved low power consumption (0.4 W from 5 V USB), enabling field use.
  • Modular construction facilitates student assembly and learning.

Conclusions:

  • The developed spectrophotometer offers a cost-effective and practical solution for solute concentration analysis.
  • Its features make it highly valuable for undergraduate teaching laboratories and portable applications.
  • The instrument empowers students with hands-on experience in building and utilizing analytical equipment.