key term - Spectroscopy

Definition

Spectroscopy is a scientific measurement technique used to examine matter by observing its interaction with different components of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Related terms

Absorption Spectrum: This is a spectrum produced when light passes through a cool gas and atoms in the gas absorb at specific frequencies; it's like finding specific fingerprints at a crime scene.

Emission Spectrum: This is a spectrum of radiation emitted by an excited atom or other body; it's akin to getting DNA evidence from a suspect that matches evidence found at the crime scene.

Atomic Spectra: These are lines that represent the wavelengths at which a chemical element can absorb or emit energy. They're like unique ID cards for each element in our detective story.