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colorimeter

A colorimeter is an analytical instrument that measures the concentration of colored compounds in a solution by assessing how much light is absorbed or transmitted at a specific wavelength.

Its operation relies on Beer-Lambert law, which relates absorbance to concentration via A = εcl. A light

Most colorimeters use fixed-wavelength filters to select a particular wavelength. More advanced instruments called spectrophotometers measure

Calibration and blanking: The instrument is calibrated with standards of known concentration and a blank solution

Applications: clinical chemistry for assays like glucose or bilirubin, environmental testing for nitrates, nitrites, and color

Limitations: colorimeters require clear, non-turbid samples; strongly colored samples or high turbidity can interfere with accurate

source
emits
light
that
passes
through
a
cuvette
containing
the
sample;
a
detector
on
the
opposite
side
measures
transmitted
light.
The
decrease
in
light
intensity
is
related
to
the
amount
of
colored
species
in
the
solution.
across
a
range
of
wavelengths,
providing
broader
spectral
data;
some
devices
marketed
as
colorimeters
may
include
digital
sensors
and
LED
sources.
to
set
0
absorbance.
The
measured
absorbance
is
converted
to
concentration
using
a
calibration
curve.
in
water,
food
and
beverage
analysis,
and
industrial
process
control.
measurements;
results
depend
on
proper
calibration,
appropriate
reagents,
and
correct
path
length.