4 Basic Components of Instruments for Chemical Analysis

signal generators detectors (input transducers) signal processors (circuits & electrical devices) readout devices

Instruments for Analysis

Components of a typical instrument
Electrical or mechanical input signal
Meter or Scale

Signal generator

Analytical signal

Input transducer or detector

Signal processor

Output signal

Recorder

12.301 Digital unit

Spectrophotometry is a branch of spectroscopy that measures the amount of radiant energy transmitted or reflected by an object as a function of wavelength.

When energy (in this case in the form of light) is absorbed by a chemical, a change in the energy levels of the chemical occurs.

These changes occur as a result of the electrons in molecules being excited and raised to a higher energy orbital.

Different molecules will absorb different wavelength of light depending on the energy levels in the molecule.

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Why do things appear coloured?

many compounds absorb light light absorption is selective, ie. maximal at particular wavelengths eg. why do leaves appear green?
photosynthetic pigments absorb the other colours

ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM
Gamma rays X-rays Ultraviolet rays Visible light Infrared rays Microwave rays Radio rays

SPECTROPHOTOMETER
MEASURE & RECORD ABSORPTION SPECTRUM OF A CHEMICAL SUBSTANCE Consist of : RADIATION SOURCE MONOCHROMATOR SAMPLE HOLDER DETECTOR RECORDER

SPECTROPHOTOMETER

SPECTROPHOTOMETER

SPECTROPHOTOMETER
ULTRAVIOLET SPECTRUM
PRESUMPTIVE ID

INFRARED SPECTRUM
MORE COMPLEX ABSORPTION CONFIRMATORY ID

Measurement at max

errors due to either wavelength setting or instrument calibration will be minimum when measurements are made at the wavelength of maximum absorption

Measuring System Meter indicates output Digital read outs Microprocessor linked Chart recorders equipped with wavelength scanning provide an absorption spectrum

Absorption Methods, Transmittance

T = P/Po where

T => transmittance P => power of transmitted radiation Po => power of incident radiation %T = (P/Po)*100 where %T => percent transmittance

Absorption Methods, Absorbance

A = - log10T = - log10 (P/Po)
where A => absorbance

Relation Between Transmittance and Absorbance

P/Po 1 0.1 0.01 %T 100 10 1 A 0 1 2

Colors of Visible Light

Wavelength 380-420 420-440 440-470 470-500 500-520 520-550 550-580 580-620 620-680 680-780 Absorbed violet violet-blue blue blue-green green yellow-green yellow orange red purple Observed green-yellow yellow orange red purple violet violet-blue blue blue-green green

Relationship of Transmittance and Absorpbance

transmittance scale is linear absorbance scale is exponential thus, read transmittance, then calculate absorbance

Sample Compartment

Light Source

Detector