Question

Which of the following is the principle of Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy?

(a) Radiation is absorbed by non-excited atoms in vapour state and are excited to higher states

(b) Medium absorbs radiation and transmitted radiation is measured

(c) Colour is measured

(d) Colour is simply observed

This question was addressed to me by my college professor while I was bunking the class.

The question is from Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy topic in section Colorimetry and Spectrometry of Analytical Instrumentation

Answer 1

Correct choice is (a) Radiation is absorbed by non-excited atoms in vapour state and are excited to higher states

To explain: Atoms in gaseous state absorb the radiation and are excited to a higher state. Since the higher state is unstable the atom returns the ground state with the emission of radiation which is measured.