Light

Spectroscopy

Definition

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

Analogy

Think of spectroscopy as a detective using clues to solve a mystery. Just like how detectives use fingerprints or DNA samples to identify suspects, scientists use spectroscopy to identify elements and compounds based on how they interact with light.

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.