How to measure an emission spectrum?

In summary, the conversation discusses using a spectrophotometer with a grating monochromator to measure emission from a lamp. It is suggested that to measure atomic emission spectra, a single channel detector can be used without removing the exit slit, but a multichannel detector would require the exit slit to be opened.
  • #1
gravenewworld
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Say I have a spectrophotometer that has a grating monochromator. If I want to measure emission instead of absorption from a lamp, could I just remove the exit slit? By removing the exit slit, doesn't all of the light just hit the sample?
 
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  • #2
what kind of detector are you using? If you're using a lamp (continuum or for instance sodium lamp) and you're just measuring the atomic emission spectra than you could probably use a single channel detector to scan the wavelengths without removing the exit slit. If you're using a multichannel detector, for instance a charge couple detector, than you'll need to open up the exit slit.
 
  • #3
Awesome, thanks!
 

1. What is an emission spectrum?

An emission spectrum is a representation of the wavelengths of light emitted by a substance or object. It is unique to each element or compound and can be used to identify the composition of a sample.

2. How is an emission spectrum measured?

An emission spectrum is measured using a spectrometer, which separates light into its different wavelengths. The spectrometer then records the intensity of each wavelength, creating a graph of the emission spectrum.

3. What is the purpose of measuring an emission spectrum?

The purpose of measuring an emission spectrum is to identify the elements or compounds present in a sample. Each substance has a unique emission spectrum, allowing scientists to determine its composition.

4. What factors can affect the accuracy of an emission spectrum?

The accuracy of an emission spectrum can be affected by factors such as the quality of the spectrometer, the temperature and pressure of the sample, and the presence of impurities or contaminants in the sample.

5. How can emission spectra be used in practical applications?

Emission spectra have various practical applications, such as in astronomy for identifying the elements present in stars and other celestial objects. They are also used in chemistry and materials science for analyzing the composition of substances and in environmental monitoring for detecting pollutants.

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