Spectroscopy is the study of the absorption, emission, or scattering of electromagnetic radiation, ranging from x-rays to radio waves, by atoms or molecules. The spectroscopic techniques are known as spectrometry and the instruments of spectrometry are called spectrometers. Spectrometers are used in astronomy, chemistry, earth and environmental science, and medicine, to name only some applications. For example, infrared spectroscopy is the study of the interaction of molecules with infrared radiation; that is, wavelengths from about 0.8 micrometer to 1 millimeter. Infrared spectrometers are used in chemical analysis to identify molecules because they have unique infrared absorption spectra. A spectrophotometer consists of a combination of two instruments: a spectrometer to separate light into individual wavelengths and a photometer to measure the intensity of light transmitted or reflected. See also: Absorption of electromagnetic radiation; Astronomical spectroscopy; Atomic spectrometry; Electromagnetic radiation; Emission spectrochemical analysis; Infrared spectroscopy; Microwave spectroscopy; Molecular structure and spectra; Photometer; Reflection of electromagnetic radiation; Scattering of electromagnetic radiation; Spectroscopy; X-ray spectrometry
Briefing
Briefing
Briefing by: AccessScience Editors
Last reviewed:2016
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.BR0803161
Additional Reading
- R. M. Granger II et al., Instrumental Analysis, Oxford University Press, 2016
- D. L. Pavia et al., Introduction to Spectroscopy, 5th ed., Cengage Learning, 2014
- J. W. Robinson, E. M. Skelly Frame, and G. M. Frame II, Undergraduate Instrumental Analysis, 7th ed., CRC Press, 2014
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