absorption spectrum
Noun: 1. A spectrum of electromagnetic radiation showing dark lines or bands at specific wavelengths, created when radiation passes through a substance that absorbs certain wavelengths. This is the fundamental scientific definition. It is a pattern, not of light emitted, but of light missing because it was absorbed by atoms or molecules in the intervening medium.
The term "absorption spectrum" is used primarily in scientific contexts, including physics, chemistry, and astronomy. * It is typically preceded by articles like "the," "an," or "its." * It often appears with verbs like show, reveal, have, analyze, or study. * It is commonly followed by prepositional phrases starting with of (indicating the substance) or at (indicating specific wavelengths).
- Scientific Analysis:
- Astronomical Observation:
- Characteristic Feature:
- "to obtain an absorption spectrum": This phrase describes the process of measuring or recording the spectrum.
- The researchers used a spectrometer to obtain an absorption spectrum of the novel compound.
- "absorption spectrum analysis": This noun phrase refers to the technique or act of interpreting such spectra.
- Absorption spectrum analysis confirmed the presence of sodium in the sample.
- Absorb (verb): To take in or soak up (energy, a liquid, etc.).
- Spectrum (noun): A band of colors, as seen in a rainbow, or more broadly, the entire range of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation.
- Emission spectrum (noun): The spectrum of light emitted by a substance, appearing as bright lines or bands on a dark background. This is the conceptual opposite of an absorption spectrum.
- Absorption line (noun): One of the specific dark lines appearing in an absorption spectrum.
- Absorption band spectrum (more specific, referring to broader bands typical of molecules).
- Dark-line spectrum (a descriptive synonym emphasizing its visual appearance).
- Spectroscopy: The scientific field concerned with the measurement and interpretation of spectra.
- Wavelength: The distance between successive crests of a wave, determining the type of electromagnetic radiation (e.g., visible light, X-rays).
- Fraunhofer lines: The specific set of dark absorption lines observed in the spectrum of sunlight, named after the physicist Joseph von Fraunhofer.
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the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation that has passed through a medium that absorbed radiation of certain wavelengths
