AAS Report

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AAS: Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy Research Paper
Daisy Novelo
St. John College Junior College
CHE 230 Analytical methods in Chemistry
Ishmael Sajia
September 30, 2020

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Abstract
AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry) measures the concentration of elements present in
a liquid sample. It uses the notion that elements in the gas phase absorb light at very specific
wavelength. Which in turn gives this technique excellent specificity and detection limits.
Atomic- absorption spectroscopy quantifies the absorption of ground state atoms in the gaseous
state. The sample may be aqueous or an organic solution and even be solid once it can be
dissolved successfully. The liquid is then drawn to a flame where it is ionized in the gas phases.
A light of specific wavelength appropriate to the element in question is shone through the flame.
The absorption is proportional to the concentration of the element.
Keywords: origin of apparatus, theory, uses, applications, basics, atomic absorption

spectroscopy
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AAS: Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy Research Paper

To understand Atomic Spectroscopy, we must first look at Quantum Theory. In the early
1900’s, Max Planck proposed that electromagnetic radiation is emitted only in tiny packets of
energy called photons. Einstein confirmed that the energy of a radiation is proportional to its
frequency. Measurements revealed that the amount of radiation energy emitted by an object at a
certain temperature depends on its wavelength. Plank gave the name ‘quantum’ to the smallest
quantity of energy that can be emitted or absorbed in the form of electromagnetic radiation.
Now, what is atomic absorption? Well, it is when photons of light care carried to atoms of matter
along with the wave of light; the particles of energy are absorbed into the atom, passing through
the cloud of electrons. Note that this only happens when the energy levels of the photon and
electrons match. With that, the electrons that make way for the photons that are to be absorbed in
the atom are drawn back to their nucleus due to the electromagnetic force. When this happens,
the related effect of atomic emission occurs, in which a photon is forced out of the atom. The
quantum mechanics involved in this process are best understood mathematically. Like this, the
atom is described as an energetic system of particles that is trying to maintain its natural balance.
The photon is absorbed and emitted as a part of this effort to maintain balance in the system
(Koirtyohann, 1991, p.21)
An atomic emission spectra is produced when an atom or ion is excited by the absorption
energy from a hot source and relaxes to its ground state by emitting a photon of radiation.
Viewed through a spectrometer, the observed spectrum consists of a number of colored lines on a
black background. While with an atomic absorption spectrum is produced when a gaseous atom
or ion absorbs a photon of radiation from an external source. The electrons are promoted from
the ground state to an excited state (one of several higher energy states). When viewed through a
spectrometer, the observed spectrum consisted of a number of black lines on a white background.
The atomic absorption spectrum (AAS) and the atomic emission spectrum (AES) of an atom are
complementary. The dark lines in the AAS are at the same wavelength of the bright lines in the
AES. Absorption is when the electron is promoted to a higher orbital. When emission occurs
when the electron return to its ground state. The transitions are equivalent to the same energy
difference in both cases, therefore the wavelength is the same in both cases.
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The Atomic Absorption Spectrometer
Atomic Absorption spectrometers have four principal components, which are: a light source
(usually a hollow cathode lamp), an atom cell (atomizer), a monochromator, and a detector with
a read out device. Figure 1
Figure 1
The light souce is usually a hallow cathod lamp of the element that is being studied. The hollow
cathod lamp contains a tungsten anode and a hollow cylinderical cathode made of the element in
question. These are sealed in a glass tube filled with an inert gas (usually either neon or argon).
Figure 2. Note that each element has its own unique lamp and it must be used for that analysis.
Figure 2
Elements need to be in atomic state in order to be analyzed. Atomization is the separation of

particles into individual molecules and breaking molecules into atoms. This is accomplished by
exposing the analyte to high temperatures in a flame or graphite furnes. The role of the atom cell
is to dissolvate a liquid sample and then the solid particles are vaporized into their free gaseous
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ground state form. In this form, the atoms are available to absord raditation emitting from the
light source and then generate a measureable signal proportional to the concentration.
Firgure 3
However, there will never be a 100% accuratcy. Any factors that affect the gorund stateatom
population can be classified as an interference; as well as factors that may affect the ability of the
intrument to read the parameter. The different inferences encountered are:
1. Absorption of source radiation
-element(s) other than the one of intrest may absorb the wavelength beign used.
2. Ionization Interference
-the formation of ions rather than the atomscauses lower absorption of radiation. This can be
overcome by adding ionization suppressors.
3. Self absorption
-the atoms of the same kind that are absorbing the radiation eouldabsorb more at the center of the
line rather than at the wings. This results in the changeof shape of the line as well as the
intensity.
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4. Background absorption of source radiation
-this is causedby the presence of a particle from an imcomplete atominzation. It can be

overcomed by increasing the flame temperature.
Personal Synopsis
As usual, I mostly end up wondering how can this be used? I am a person that learns by
understanding how it is used right infront of me. I understang the concept however, I wanred to
see the applications for it. For instance, it is used as clinical analysis. It is used to analyze metsld
in biological fuild. Also, in pharmaceuticals manufacturing process, minute quantites of a
catalyst are used and can be present in the final project. By using AAS, the amount of catalyst
(usually metal) present can be determined. With this process, there is a low risk on getting
posined with catalysts in out medications. In the end, it is a techigue that we use often. To save
lives more importantly.
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References
Koirtyohann, S.R. (1991) A HISTORY OF ATOMIC ABSORPTION SPECTROMETRY.
Analytical Chemistry, 63(21), pp.1024A-1031A. DOI:10.1021/ac00021a716
Mohamed, P. D. M. ATOMIC ABSORPTION.
Pilkington, B. (2020, May 6). An Overview of the Quantum Mechanics Behind Atomic
Absorption. AZoQuantum.com.
https://www.azoquantum.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=197.

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AAS: Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy Research Paper

St. John College Junior College

CHE 230 Analytical methods in Chemistry

September 30, 2020

Keywords: origin of apparatus, theory, uses, applications, basics, atomic absorption

AAS: Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy Research Paper

The Atomic Absorption Spectrometer

Elements need to be in atomic state in order to be analyzed. Atomization is the separation of

1. Absorption of source radiation

4. Background absorption of source radiation

-this is causedby the presence of a particle from an imcomplete atominzation. It can be

Mohamed, P. D. M. ATOMIC ABSORPTION.

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