Atomabsorption

Atomabsorption refers to the process by which an atom absorbs electromagnetic radiation, typically in the form of a photon. This absorption occurs when the energy of the photon precisely matches the energy difference between two distinct electron energy levels within the atom. When an electron is in its ground state, the lowest possible energy level, it can transition to a higher energy level, known as an excited state, by absorbing a photon of the appropriate energy. The energy of the photon is directly related to its frequency and wavelength according to Planck's equation. The absorbed photon causes the atom to become excited. This excited state is unstable, and the atom will eventually return to its ground state by emitting a photon or through other de-excitation processes. The specific wavelengths of light that an atom can absorb are characteristic of that element, forming its absorption spectrum. This spectral fingerprint is unique and can be used for elemental identification. For example, in atomic absorption spectroscopy, the absorption of specific wavelengths by atoms in a sample is measured to determine the concentration of that element.