Microbiology

study guides for every class

that actually explain what's on your next test

Transmittance

from class:

Microbiology

Definition

Transmittance is the measure of the fraction of light that passes through a sample. It quantifies how much light is not absorbed by the sample.

congrats on reading the definition of transmittance. now let's actually learn it.

ok, let's learn stuff

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Transmittance can be calculated as the ratio of transmitted light intensity to the incident light intensity.
  2. It is usually expressed as a percentage, known as percent transmittance (%T).
  3. In microbiology, transmittance is used in spectrophotometry to determine the concentration of microorganisms in a sample.
  4. Higher transmittance indicates lower absorbance and hence, fewer microorganisms or particles in the sample.
  5. The Beer-Lambert Law relates transmittance to absorbance and concentration of absorbing molecules.

Review Questions

  • How is transmittance measured in a laboratory setting?
  • Why might high transmittance indicate low microorganism concentration in a sample?
  • What relationship does the Beer-Lambert Law describe concerning transmittance?
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.
Glossary
Guides