Experiment 4
Determination of Iron Content of
Commercial Products by Atomic Absorption
Winter 2021
, Abstract
Atomic absorption spectroscopy is an analytical technique for quantitative determination of
various elements. These types of experiments are performed on atoms and not molecules, in the
gas phase. These atoms do not have any rotational energy involved in their electronic excitation.
Atomic absorption spectra consist of a few very narrow absorption lines. Since different atoms
absorb at different wavelengths, a specific atom can be determined by analysis at a characteristic
wavelength. Moreover, by looking at the amount of light consumed by a standard reference to
the amount of light consumed by an example, the amount of analyte present in the example can
be found. In this experiment, a spectroscopic analysis will be performed to determine the amount
of iron found in common cereals.
Theory
Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, AAS is utilized to quantify the grouping of a particular
component, in a given example. In an AAS, the example is atomized and a light emission
radiation transmitted from a light source goes through the disintegrated test. A portion of the
radiation is consumed by the atoms in the sample; the measure of light retained is an element of
the grouping of the component of interest.[1]
FIGURE. AAS instrumentation [1]
Determination of Iron Content of
Commercial Products by Atomic Absorption
Winter 2021
, Abstract
Atomic absorption spectroscopy is an analytical technique for quantitative determination of
various elements. These types of experiments are performed on atoms and not molecules, in the
gas phase. These atoms do not have any rotational energy involved in their electronic excitation.
Atomic absorption spectra consist of a few very narrow absorption lines. Since different atoms
absorb at different wavelengths, a specific atom can be determined by analysis at a characteristic
wavelength. Moreover, by looking at the amount of light consumed by a standard reference to
the amount of light consumed by an example, the amount of analyte present in the example can
be found. In this experiment, a spectroscopic analysis will be performed to determine the amount
of iron found in common cereals.
Theory
Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, AAS is utilized to quantify the grouping of a particular
component, in a given example. In an AAS, the example is atomized and a light emission
radiation transmitted from a light source goes through the disintegrated test. A portion of the
radiation is consumed by the atoms in the sample; the measure of light retained is an element of
the grouping of the component of interest.[1]
FIGURE. AAS instrumentation [1]
