Question

In analysis by atomic absorption spectroscopy, the wavelengths of light being absorbed reveal the identity of the elements present in the sample. What information is used to determine the relative amounts of the different elements.

Answer 1

In AAS, the intensity of light absorbed by an element is plotted against the concentration of the element. The relation between the intensity of light absorbed and the concentration of the element follows Beer’s law.

If a number of elements are present, the relative amounts of the elements can be obtained from an inspection of the area under curve of absorbance vs. concentration. Usually, the instrument compares the area under curve with a standard solution (both after blank correction) and provides the concentration.