emissioonispektroskoopiat

Emissioonispektroskoopiat, known in English as emission spectroscopy, is an analytical technique used to determine the elemental composition of a sample. It works by exciting atoms or molecules within a sample, causing them to emit light at specific wavelengths. These emitted wavelengths are unique to each element, forming a characteristic spectral fingerprint. The intensity of the emitted light at a particular wavelength is also proportional to the concentration of the corresponding element in the sample.

The process typically involves introducing a sample into a high-energy environment, such as a flame, an electric arc, or a plasma. This energy input causes the electrons in the atoms to jump to higher energy levels. As these electrons return to their ground state, they release the excess energy in the form of photons of light. A spectrometer is then used to separate this emitted light into its constituent wavelengths, which are then detected and recorded. By comparing the observed spectrum to known spectra of elements, the identity and quantity of elements present in the sample can be determined. Emission spectroscopy finds wide applications in fields like chemistry, physics, astronomy, and materials science for analyzing a diverse range of substances.