What is the device used to measure percent light absorption in pigments?

In summary, a spectrophotometer is a device used to measure the percent light absorption in pigments. It works by shining a beam of light through a sample and measuring the amount of light that is transmitted or absorbed. This measurement can be used for all types of pigments as long as they can be dissolved or suspended in a liquid solution. The difference between absorbance and percent light absorption is that absorbance measures the amount of light absorbed by a sample, while percent light absorption measures the percentage of light absorbed compared to the total amount of light shone on it. However, factors such as sample preparation, wavelength of light used, and instrument calibration can affect the accuracy of a spectrophotometer measurement, but these errors can be minimized
  • #1
cncbmb
16
0
What is the device used to measure percent light absorption in pigments?

I remember finding the percent light absorption in the pigments of some vegetables for a high school bio lab. I am pretty sure the device used was not specific for pigments. The device was user friendly- we just stuck some tubes in a magical box and the box displayed a number.
 
Biology news on Phys.org
  • #3
http://dl.clackamas.edu/ch105-04/spec20.htm" is just such a magic box...
 
Last edited by a moderator:

1. What is the device used to measure percent light absorption in pigments?

The device used to measure percent light absorption in pigments is called a spectrophotometer.

2. How does a spectrophotometer measure light absorption?

A spectrophotometer measures light absorption by shining a beam of light through a sample and measuring the amount of light that is transmitted or absorbed by the sample.

3. Can a spectrophotometer be used for all types of pigments?

Yes, a spectrophotometer can be used for all types of pigments as long as the pigment can be dissolved or suspended in a liquid solution.

4. What is the difference between absorbance and percent light absorption?

Absorbance is a measure of the amount of light absorbed by a sample, while percent light absorption is a measure of the percentage of light absorbed by a sample compared to the total amount of light shone on it.

5. Are there any factors that can affect the accuracy of a spectrophotometer measurement?

Yes, factors such as sample preparation, wavelength of light used, and instrument calibration can affect the accuracy of a spectrophotometer measurement. Proper technique and regular maintenance can help minimize these errors.

Similar threads

How Does Flickered Light Affect Our Brain's Perceived Contrast and Brightness of Images?
    • Biology and Medical
Replies
1
Views
2K
Storing device parameter data for a measurement system
    • Programming and Computer Science
Replies
11
Views
992
I Rigorous: Where is the Quantum System Prior to Measurement?
    • Quantum Interpretations and Foundations
Replies
12
Views
931
Possible methods for measuring light absorption in optics experiment?
    • Optics
Replies
2
Views
2K
How do instruments calculate things using absorption of light?
    • General Engineering
Replies
4
Views
2K
What is the Wavelength of Corona Discharge in High Voltage Testing?
    • Electrical Engineering
Replies
7
Views
999
Need help understanding organic copolymers in OPV devices
    • Materials and Chemical Engineering
Replies
4
Views
3K
Experiment to measure EM waves
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
4
Views
1K
Measuring Reflectance with a Digital Camera
    • Optics
Replies
9
Views
1K
Effect of altering incident light intensity on absorption
    • Optics
Replies
1
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top