atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS)
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Principle
- an atom dissociated from its chemical bonds absorbs light of specific wavelength in its ground state
- the wavelength of light absorbed is characteristic of the atom; the amount of light absorbed is a measure of the concentration of atoms in the light path
Methods
Dissociation methods:
- graphite furnace*
- atoms are dissociated from chemical bonding by placing a small sample of solution in a graphite tube, where the sample vaporizes in an inert atmosphere when an electric current passes through the tube.
- flame
- a flame may also be used to dissociate atoms from their chemical bonds.
* method of choice