The primary distinction between a flame spectrophotometer and a spectrophotometer is that the former relies on the results of a controlled flame test, whereas the latter calculates results based on the amount of light absorbed by the various components of a sample. Analytical instruments such as the flame photometer and the spectrophotometer are utilized here for the purpose of evaluating inorganic specimens. In a given sample, the concentrations of the components of interest can be measured using either of these two methods.
What exactly does "Flame Photometer" mean?
The flame photometer is a type of analytical instrument in which a regulated flame test is performed. There, we determine the concentration of the metal that is present in a sample by observing how intense a flame is and comparing it to a standard. Consequently, with the help of photoelectric circuitry, we are able to determine the magnitude of the flame's color. This intensity is proportional to the amount of energy that is absorbed by the atoms during the process of vaporizing them to create a flame.
First and foremost, we need to maintain a consistent rate at which we introduce the sample to the flame. There are filters that allow one to choose the color of the flame. These filters are able to eliminate interferences brought on by other atoms or ions in the system. Nevertheless, before we can use the instrument, we need to calibrate it first. For the purpose of this calibration, we are able to make use of a number of different standard solutions of the ion that will be tested. Sodium, potassium, lithium, and calcium are examples of some of the more important chemical elements that can be easily quantified with the help of this instrument. Due to the fact that they have low excitation energies, the elements that fall into groups 1 and 2 are typically the most sensitive to this test.
Components that make up a flame photometer:
a burner that is responsible for producing the flame is the source of the flame
The nebulizer and mixing chamber are responsible for maintaining a consistent rate of transporting the sample to the flame
Optical system to serve in the capacity of filter
The photo detector is what detects the light that has been emitted and can quantify how intense the color of the flame is
What exactly is a Spectrophotometer used for?
A spectrophotometer is a type of analytical instrument that measures the amount of light that is absorbed by a sample in order to calculate the concentration of the sample. The properties of a material, such as its reflection or transmission, are evaluated as a function of the wavelength. This apparatus is able to function in the visible light, the near ultraviolet light, and the near infrared light spectrums. When we put the sample into the instrument, we put it into a cuvette first. After that, a light beam will pass through the sample, at which point the light will diffract into a spectrum of wavelengths. After that, the instrument will use a charge-coupled device to measure the intensities. After going through the detector, we will finally be able to see the results of the examination on the display device.
Additionally, we are able to use this instrument to identify organic compounds. That can be done by calculating the maximum amount of absorption. In addition to that, we can use it to figure out the color within a certain spectral range. First and foremost, we use it to measure the concentration of a component in a sample by determining the amount of light that is absorbed by that component. This is done using the spectrophotometer.
What is the Main Distinction Between a Spectrophotometer and a Flame Photometer?
A controlled flame test is performed with the analytical instrument known as a flame photometer. There, we make use of a controlled flame test, which quantifies the intensity of a flame produced by a sample and measures the intensity of a flame that is produced by the sample. On the other hand, a spectrophotometer is an analytical instrument that measures the light absorption to calculate the concentration of a sample. This is accomplished by comparing the two values. In other words, this method depends on the fact that the components of a sample absorb light in order to function. The most important distinction between a flame photometer and a spectrophotometer is found here. In addition, the flame photometer operates within the visible range of wavelengths, whereas the spectrophotometer operates within the visible light range in addition to the near ultraviolet and near infrared light ranges.
In the following infographic, a tabular comparison of the key distinctions between a flame photometer and a spectrophotometer has been provided for your perusal.
A Comparison of the Flame Photometer and the Spectrophotometer
Analytical instruments such as flame photometers and spectrophotometers are both utilized in the process of determining the component concentration of samples through the utilization of optical methods. The primary distinction between a flame photometer and a spectrophotometer is that the former relies on the results of a controlled flame test, whereas the latter calculates results based on the amount of light absorbed by the various components of a sample.
