Why is the mass absorption coefficient used rather than the linear absorption?

In summary, the mass absorption coefficient is used in scientific measurements because it takes into account the density of the material being measured. It is different from the linear absorption coefficient because it also considers density, providing a more accurate measurement of how much light or radiation is absorbed. The mass absorption coefficient is typically measured in units of cm^2/g, representing the area of the material divided by its mass. It can be used for all types of radiation, but values may vary. The mass absorption coefficient is determined through experimental measurements and calculations, requiring multiple trials with different materials to establish accurate values.
  • #1
Mattofix
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Homework Statement



Why is the mass absorption coefficient used rather than the linear absorption coefficient?

Homework Equations



mac=lac/density

The Attempt at a Solution



is it because mac is independent of physical from?
 
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  • #2
You are right. The mass coefficient depends only on the type of atom in the sample.
You can calculate the coefficient for mixture or compounds if you know the mass coeff of the component atoms.
You are thinking about the x-ray coefficients, right?
 

1. Why is the mass absorption coefficient used in scientific measurements?

The mass absorption coefficient is used in scientific measurements because it takes into account the density of the material being measured. This is important because different materials have different densities, which can affect how much light or radiation is absorbed. By using the mass absorption coefficient, scientists can accurately compare measurements between different materials.

2. How is the mass absorption coefficient different from the linear absorption coefficient?

The linear absorption coefficient only takes into account the thickness of the material, while the mass absorption coefficient also considers the density. This means that the mass absorption coefficient provides a more accurate measurement of how much light or radiation is absorbed by a material.

3. What units are used to measure the mass absorption coefficient?

The mass absorption coefficient is typically measured in units of cm^2/g. This represents the area of the material (cm^2) divided by its mass (g), and gives a measure of how much light or radiation is absorbed per unit of mass.

4. Can the mass absorption coefficient be used for all types of radiation?

Yes, the mass absorption coefficient can be used for all types of radiation, including visible light, infrared, ultraviolet, and X-rays. However, the specific values for the mass absorption coefficient may vary depending on the type of radiation being measured.

5. How is the mass absorption coefficient determined?

The mass absorption coefficient is determined through experimental measurements and calculations. Scientists measure the amount of light or radiation that passes through a material of known thickness and density, and then use mathematical formulas to calculate the mass absorption coefficient. This process may need to be repeated multiple times with different materials to establish accurate and reliable values for the mass absorption coefficient.

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