Definition

1. Noun:
   • An instrument for measuring the intensity of light as a function of its wavelength: A spectrophotometer is a photometric device that compares the intensities of two light beams across a spectrum of wavelengths. It is used to analyze the absorption or transmission properties of a material.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The scientist used a spectrophotometer to measure the concentration of the protein in the solution.
  • Accurate color matching in the paint industry relies on data from a spectrophotometer.

Advanced Usage

• "to operate/use a spectrophotometer": to work with this instrument to take measurements.
  • All lab technicians must be trained to operate the spectrophotometer safely.
• "spectrophotometer reading/analysis/data": referring to the output or results obtained from the instrument.
  • The spectrophotometer data confirmed the presence of the chemical compound.

Variants and Related Words

• Spectrophotometry (n): The scientific technique or process of using a spectrophotometer.
  • Spectrophotometry is fundamental to quantitative chemical analysis.
• Spectrophotometric (adj): Relating to or obtained by spectrophotometry.
  • The report included a detailed spectrophotometric analysis of the sample.

Synonyms

• Photometer: A more general term for an instrument that measures light intensity. (Note: A spectrophotometer is a specific type of photometer that analyzes wavelength.)
• Colorimeter: An instrument that measures color, often by using specific filters, which is a simpler type of photometer compared to a spectrophotometer.

Related Phrases and Compounds

• UV-Vis spectrophotometer: A common type that measures ultraviolet and visible light.
  • The UV-Vis spectrophotometer is essential for studying conjugated molecules.
• Atomic absorption spectrophotometer: A type used specifically for detecting metallic elements.
  • The lab acquired a new atomic absorption spectrophotometer for trace metal analysis.

Noun

1. a photometer for comparing two light radiations wavelength by wavelength