Name: element analysis with atomic light spectra
Uploaded: 2024-12-05T18:32:13.000Z
Duration: 1 min 23 s
Channel: JoVE

K12 Standards

Pennsylvania State Academic Standards

9-12

Earth and Space Science

Space Systems

3.3.9-12.B

atomic-spectroscopy-absorption-emission-and-fluorescence

Atomic Spectroscopy: Absorption, Emission, and Fluorescence

Atomic spectroscopy is an analytical tool for qualitative and quantitative elemental analysis.
The main types include atomic absorption spectroscopy, or AAS; atomic emission spectroscopy, or AES; and atomic fluorescence spectroscopy, or AFS.
All three methods begin with atomization, which is the critical step of breaking down liquid samples into gas-phase atoms.
In AAS, hot gaseous samples irradiated with a range of electromagnetic radiation absorb light of the specific wavelengths that cause electronic transitions in the atoms to higher-energy orbitals.
The amount of light transmitted at each wavelength is measured by the detector.&#160;
In AES, the input of heat or electrical discharge on the ground-state gaseous atoms causes electronic excitation.
These high-energy atoms quickly return to the ground state, emitting photons that match the energy differences.
In AFS, the ground-state gaseous atoms are irradiated at a characteristic wavelength for promotion of a specific atom to the excited state.
If the atom is present, it fluoresces, which is measured by a detector placed at a right angle to the laser beam.

atomic spectroscopy: absorption, emission, and fluorescence

Atomic spectroscopy is a vital tool in elemental analysis, both qualitatively and quantitatively. It can be broadly divided into optical spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, and X-ray spectroscopy methods. The optical spectroscopic methods are atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), atomic emission spectroscopy (AES), and atomic fluorescence spectroscopy (AFS). The first step in all three methods is atomization, where the solid, liquid, or solution-phase samples are converted into gas-phase atoms and ions.
In AAS, the gaseous samples interact with electromagnetic radiation and absorb photons with the exact energies that promote electrons of ground-state atoms to their excited states. For example, the unpaired 3s electron of the Na atom gets promoted to the 3p, 4p, or 5p orbital on the absorption of radiation of 285 nm, 330 nm, or 590 nm, respectively. The reduction in transmitted light of certain wavelengths is measured by the detector and visualized with an absorbance or transmittance spectrum.
In AES, the gas-phase atoms in the ground state are electronically excited with heat or electrical discharge energy. These short-lived, high-energy excited gas-phase atoms relax back to the ground state, emitting photons corresponding to the energy gap. The intensity of the emitted light is detected and converted to an electrical signal that gives a fingerprint of the sample. For instance, electronic transitions of excited Na atoms from the 3p, 4p, and 5p orbitals back to the 3s orbital result in emissions around 590 nm, 330 nm, and 285 nm, respectively. The emitted radiation is measured and processed into a spectrum.
In AFS, the ground-state gas-phase atoms are irradiated by a characteristic wavelength and promoted to the electronically excited state. Provided radiationless transition does not occur, the excited-state atoms relax to the ground state by fluorescing at the exact wavelength corresponding to the energy they absorbed. The detector is usually at a right angle to the source beam, where only fluorescence emissions should reach it.
Unlike molecular spectra, atomic spectra have sharp lines due to the absence of various rotational and vibrational energy states that lead to peak broadening in molecular spectra.

Atomic spectroscopy is a vital tool in elemental analysis, both qualitatively and quantitatively. It can be broadly divided into optical spectroscopy, ...

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JoVE Core

Analytical Chemistry

Unit 1

Atomic Spectroscopy

KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS

element analysis with atomic light spectra

Atomic spectroscopy is used to identify and measure elements by their light signals. It supports both qualitative analysis, which tells what is present, and quantitative analysis, which tells how much is present. The optical methods in this group are atomic absorption spectroscopy, atomic emission spectroscopy, and atomic fluorescence spectroscopy.

These methods begin with atomization. In this step, a solid, liquid, or solution sample is changed into gas-phase atoms and ions. Once the sample is in the gas phase, each method uses light or energy in a different way to study the atoms.

In atomic absorption spectroscopy, gas-phase atoms absorb electromagnetic radiation with the exact energy needed to move electrons to higher levels. For example, the 3s electron of sodium can be promoted to the 3p, 4p, or 5p orbital by light of 285 nm, 330 nm, or 590 nm. The detector measures the drop in transmitted light at selected wavelengths and shows it as an absorbance or transmittance spectrum.

In atomic emission spectroscopy, ground-state gas-phase atoms are excited by heat or electrical discharge energy. These excited atoms quickly return to the ground state and release photons that match the energy gap. The emitted light is detected and converted to an electrical signal that gives a fingerprint of the sample. For sodium, transitions from the 3p, 4p, and 5p orbitals back to 3s produce emissions around 590 nm, 330 nm, and 285 nm.

Atomic fluorescence spectroscopy also starts with ground-state gas-phase atoms. They are irradiated with a characteristic wavelength and moved to an excited state. If radiationless transition does not occur, the atoms return to the ground state by fluorescing at the same wavelength they absorbed. The detector is usually placed at a right angle to the source beam so it measures mostly the fluorescence signal.

Atomic spectra are different from molecular spectra because they have sharp lines. Molecules have rotational and vibrational energy states that can broaden peaks, but atoms do not show that same type of broadening. That is why atomic spectra often appear as narrow, distinct signals.

Element Analysis with Atomic Light Spectra

element-analysis-with-atomic-light-spectra

Atomic spectroscopy is used to identify and measure elements by their light signals. It supports both qualitative analysis, which tells what is present, and quantitative analysis, which tells how much is present. The optical methods in this group are atomic absorption spectroscopy, atomic emission spectroscopy, and atomic fluorescence spectroscopy. These methods begin with atomization. In this step, a solid, liquid, or solution sample is changed into gas-phase atoms and ions. Once the sample...

atomic spectroscopy: effects of temperature

atomic-spectroscopy-effects-of-temperature

How Heat Changes Atomic Spectra

Heat changes atomic spectra by affecting atomization, excitation, ionization, and line shape. In atomic spectroscopy, atomization means converting a sample into gas-phase atoms and ions. The flame temperature needed for this step changes how efficiently the method works and shifts the balance between excited and ground-state atoms. At thermal equilibrium, the relative numbers of excited and ground-state atoms can be estimated with the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution. A small temperature rise...

atomic absorption spectroscopy: overview

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy for Trace Metals

Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) measures trace metals by tracking how atoms absorb electromagnetic radiation (EMR). The absorbed light makes atoms move to a higher-energy orbit. In AAS, the key step is atomization, which converts the sample into gas-phase atoms. A flame or a furnace is typically used for this step. Inside the flame, some atoms become thermally excited. Most stay in the ground state, which is the lowest-energy state. These ground-state gas-phase atoms absorb EMR only when...

atomic absorption spectroscopy: instrumentation

atomic-absorption-spectroscopy-instrumentation

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Key Parts

Atomic absorption spectrophotometry uses a set of key parts to measure light absorbed by atoms. The main components are a radiation source, an atomizer, a monochromator, and a detector. Each part has a specific job in the instrument. The radiation source is usually a hollow-cathode lamp, or HCL, or an electrodeless-discharge lamp, or EDL. Both produce a narrow emission line at the needed wavelength. Some instruments instead use continuum sources with high-resolution monochromators to narrow...

atomic absorption spectroscopy: radiation and light sources

atomic-absorption-spectroscopy-radiation-and-light-sources

Choosing Light Sources for AAS Measurements

Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) uses a light source that emits a very narrow range of wavelengths. This is needed because the source must match the absorption behavior of the analyte atom. The choice of source also depends on giving a precise, intense emission at the right wavelength for accurate detection. Two common line sources in AAS are hollow-cathode lamps (HCLs) and electrodeless-discharge lamps (EDLs). These lamps are selected based on the element being analyzed and the level of...

atomic absorption spectroscopy: atomization methods

atomic-absorption-spectroscopy-atomization-methods

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Sample Atomization

Atomic absorption spectroscopy uses sample atomization to turn a liquid specimen into free atoms for analysis. The two main approaches are flame atomization and electrothermal atomization. Both methods prepare the sample so its atoms can be measured by the instrument. Flame atomization uses a nebulizer and spray chamber to mix the sample with a fuel-oxidant mixture. This creates a fine aerosol mist that enters the burner. The fuel and oxidant are usually close to a stoichiometric ratio, but a...

atomic absorption spectroscopy: interference

atomic-absorption-spectroscopy-interference

Correcting Errors in Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy

Atomic absorption spectroscopy interference can create systematic error by making the analytical signal or the background look stronger or weaker than it should be. In atomic absorption measurements, these errors are usually grouped as spectral interference, chemical interference, and physical interference. Spectral interference happens when signals from other elements or molecules overlap with the analyte signal, the substance being measured. This overlap can falsely raise or hide the analyte...

atomic absorption spectroscopy: lab

AAS Sample Prep and Calibration

Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) depends on careful sample preparation and calibration. Samples must be turned into clear solutions before measurement. That often means extra treatment to dissolve materials such as soils, animal tissues, and minerals. Common sample prep methods include hot mineral acids, wet ashing, combustion in closed containers, high-temperature ashing, and fusion with reagents. These steps help make the sample suitable for AAS analysis. Solutions that contain organic...

atomic emission spectroscopy: overview

Atomic Emission Spectroscopy for Element Analysis

Atomic emission spectroscopy is used to identify the elements in a sample by measuring the light they emit. Atoms are first excited to higher energy levels by thermal energy from hot sources such as plasma, arcs, or sparks. When they fall back to lower energy levels, they give off light at specific wavelengths. Each element produces its own set of lines, so the emission spectrum can show both what is present and how much is there. AES instruments are similar to atomic absorption spectrometers,...

atomic emission spectroscopy: instrumentation

atomic-emission-spectroscopy-instrumentation

AES Sample Handling and Detection

Atomic emission spectrometry (AES) uses sample handling, atomization, and detection parts to measure emitted light from atoms and ions. The sample must first be changed into a gas-phase form so it can produce a measurable signal. AES uses two main atomizer types. Continuous atomizers, such as flames and plasmas, feed the sample in a steady stream. Discrete atomizers add one sample at a time with syringes or autosamplers. The electrothermal atomizer is the most common discrete type. Many...

atomic emission spectroscopy: interference

atomic-emission-spectroscopy-interference

Reducing Interference in AES Signals

Atomic emission spectroscopy (AES) can produce interfering signals when atoms and molecules in a flame or plasma emit overlapping light. High-temperature atomizers excite many species at once, including oxides, hydroxides, and flame combustion products. These extra emissions can make the analyte signal harder to read. Spectral interference happens when emission lines or bands overlap. One way to reduce it is to improve instrument resolution. Another is to choose a different emission line for...

inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy: principle

inductively-coupled-plasma-atomic-emission-spectroscopy-principle

ICP-AES Torch and Sample Analysis

Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy uses a plasma torch to analyze elements in a sample. This method is also called inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy, or ICP-OES. It is widely used because the plasma creates a strong environment for elemental analysis. The ICP source, or torch, contains three concentric quartz tubes. Argon gas flows through the tubes. A spark from a Tesla coil starts the ionization of argon and creates a high-temperature plasma. The...

inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy: instrumentation

inductively-coupled-plasma-atomic-emission-spectroscopy

ICP-AES Instrument Types and Detection

Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, or ICP-AES, uses an inductively coupled plasma to detect and analyze elements in a sample. The method measures the light given off by atoms, which helps identify and compare different elements. It is a common approach in atomic emission spectroscopy. ICP-AES instruments are built in three main forms: sequential, simultaneous multichannel, and Fourier transform instruments. Fourier transform designs are less commonly used, but they are...

atomic emission spectroscopy: lab

Plasma Sources in Atomic Emission Spectroscopy

Atomic emission spectroscopy uses plasma sources to identify elements by their light. The method creates abundant spectra with characteristic emission lines. Inductively coupled plasma, or ICP, is especially useful because it gives strong quantitative data. It works well under stable conditions, with low noise, low background, and few interferences. Newer air-operated microwave sources are also being studied. These sources may be more cost-effective than conventional ICP systems. Atomic...

atomic fluorescence spectroscopy

Measuring Elements by Atomic Fluorescence

Atomic fluorescence spectroscopy measures elements by detecting the light atoms give off after they are excited by electromagnetic radiation. The atoms are first placed in a flame, furnace, or plasma. They absorb energy, become excited, and then release that energy as they return to their original state. The emitted light is called fluorescence. The fluorescence is observed at a right angle to the incoming beam. This setup helps separate the emitted light from the light used to excite the...

flame photometry: overview

Flame Emission Spectrometry Basics

Flame emission spectrometry uses a flame to excite elements in a sample so their light can be measured. It is also called flame photometry. The method can be used for both qualitative and quantitative analysis of elements. The idea became established in the early 1860s when Kirchhoff and Bunsen showed that specific elements give off characteristic radiation in a flame. The first instrument for this purpose measured sodium in plant ash with a Bunsen flame. A major problem was how to add the...

flame photometry: lab

Flame Photometry and Metal Detection

Flame photometry is a method for detecting metals by measuring the light they emit in a flame. A solution such as potassium chloride is aspirated into the flame. The solvent evaporates first. The remaining salt becomes dehydrated and then dissociates into free gaseous atoms in the ground state. Some of these atoms absorb energy from the flame and move to an excited state. When they return to the ground state, they emit photons at characteristic wavelengths. These emissions are very narrow...

key terms and concepts

Learn how atomic absorption, emission, and fluorescence spectroscopy use light to identify elements, measure signals, and produce sharp atomic spectra.

Element Analysis with Atomic Light Spectra | JoVE K12

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JoVE Core Analytical Chemistry simplifies complex chemical principles by breaking them down into clear, engaging animations, making topics from SI Units to NMR spectroscopy more accessible and straightforward. Additionally, the scientist-in-action videos highlight the application of these concepts in real-world research conducted in laboratories globally.

3.3.9-12.C

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3.3.9-12.A

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Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Radiation and Light Sources

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3.3.9-12.D

Element Analysis with Atomic Light Spectra

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