Question

How does a spectrophotometer work?

Answer 1

A spectrophotometer gives out electromagnetic radiation of different wavelengths to a target material and the detector is used for detecting the intensity of light, and the spectrum is shown in a computer screen.

Complete step by step answer:
- In order to answer our question, we need to learn about spectroscopy. It is the study which shows the interaction of matter, with the electromagnetic energy. It can be used to detect both the physical, as well as the chemical properties of matter, by using electromagnetic radiation. In order to measure the spectra of an unknown sample, spectrometers are used. Now, the spectrophotometer uses the property of reflection of some ray, like the UV ray, a visible ray near infrared ray that gets transmitted.
- Spectrometers include a source of light, a stand for holding the sample and a prism so that light gets separated into different component wavelengths and a detector to detect. Now, electromagnetic energy is focused into the subject. Now, these electromagnetic waves can either get transmitted, or get reflected on touching the surface of the unknown sample. A monochromator is used in this case, so that light gets separated by the respective wavelength and it uses optical grating. Now, this is focused on a charge coupled device, which contains thousands of detectors and it measures the intensity of light at different wavelengths. Finally, the charged coupled device is connected to a computer screen where the final electromagnetic spectrum of the unknown material for testing, gets displayed.

Note: Spectrometers can measure the electromagnetic radiation from a variety of wavelengths, it can be the infrared, and go up to the highest ultraviolet wavelength. It helps us to see the spectrum which is impossible to see with our naked eyes.