atomic emission spectroscopy
Quick Summary
Atomic emission spectroscopy is a method of chemical analysis that measures the wavelength and intensity of electromagnetic radiation. It's used to determine the arrangement of atoms and electrons in molecules.
In this process, atoms are excited to higher energy levels using electrical discharges or flames. When these excited atoms return to lower energy states, they emit light at characteristic frequencies. This emitted light is separated into a spectrum, allowing for the identification of elements. The intensity of the emitted light is proportional to the number of excited atoms, enabling quantitative analysis by comparing the sample's emission to known standards. This method is highly sensitive and can detect multiple elements simultaneously.1
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