Both absorption spectroscopy and extinction are techniques used to measure the amount of light absorbed by a sample. However, absorption spectroscopy measures the amount of light absorbed at specific wavelengths, while extinction measures the total amount of light absorbed across all wavelengths.
Absorption spectroscopy is commonly used in chemistry and physics to determine the concentration of a substance in a sample. Extinction, on the other hand, is often used in astronomy to measure the amount of light absorbed by interstellar dust and gas.
No, absorption spectroscopy and extinction are not interchangeable. They provide different types of information and are used for different purposes. It is important to choose the appropriate technique for the specific research or analysis being conducted.
The instruments used in absorption spectroscopy and extinction differ in their design and capabilities. Absorption spectroscopy instruments typically use a light source, a sample holder, and a detector to measure the absorption of light at specific wavelengths. Extinction instruments, on the other hand, use a broader range of wavelengths and may include additional components such as filters and detectors to measure the total amount of light absorbed.
The main advantage of absorption spectroscopy is its ability to provide detailed information about the absorption of light at specific wavelengths, making it useful for identifying and quantifying specific substances in a sample. However, it may not be as sensitive as extinction in measuring low levels of light absorption. Extinction, on the other hand, is more sensitive and can measure a wider range of wavelengths, but it may not provide as much detail about the composition of the sample. The choice between these techniques depends on the specific research goals and the properties of the sample being studied.