UV-Vis spectroscopy examines a material using ultraviolet and visible light. This method is used to determine a sample’s light wavelength absorbance.
In analytical chemistry, UV-Vis spectroscopy is applied when performing a quantitative examination of a particular analyte. Also, UV-Vis spectroscopy is widely utilized in many fields of science, including bacterial culture, drug detection, and nucleic acid purification tests and quantification.
The Basis of UV-Vis Spectroscopy
Light absorption from the sample serves as the basis for UV-Vis spectroscopy. The relationship between the light’s wavelength and the quantity of the species found in the sample determines how much light is absorbed. On top of that, light absorption could be due to the interaction of incoming radiation with an atom’s or particle’s electron cloud.
Generally, the concentration of the absorbing species in a sample determines how much light is absorbed. Aside from that, the amount of light absorbed also depends on the frequency of light used.
What is the Wavelength of UV Spectroscopy?
UV-VIS is a broad approach to analyzing most compounds since they refract light inside the UV-visible wavelength band. The UV frequency extends between 100 to 400, whereas the visible light spectrum runs from around 200 to 800.
UV-Vis Spectroscopy Applications
UV-vis spectroscopy has several uses. The following are the UV-Vis Spectroscopy applications:
- Determine a sample’s absorbance
- Identify the wavelength of light absorbed by a sample
- Recognize compounds in a sample
- Determine a sample’s fluorescence
- Determine the presence of contaminants in a sample
- Keep an eye on chemical interactions
- Examine environmental samples
What is a UV-Vis Spectrophotometer?
UV-Vis spectrophotometer is a particular kind of spectrophotometer that analyzes a sample using ultraviolet and visible light. Analytical chemistry and numerous other scientific disciplines frequently employ this kind of spectrophotometer. It can assess wavelengths in the range of 200 to 800.
What’s more, UV-Vis spectrophotometers are cost-effective and easy to operate. It is effective for measuring a variety of samples. However, UV-Vis spectrophotometer preparations consume time. Consider the external light, electromagnetic interference, or other impurities affecting the spectrometer’s measurement.
Spectrophotometer Components
A UV-Vis spectrophotometer’s main parts are:
- A light source that could produce a broad range of electromagnetic radiation, from ultraviolet to visible
- A Device for scattering the divided wavelengths of broadband radiation
- A region around the samples where light can enter or reflect from the sample
- One or many detectors to gauge the radiation’s strength once it is reflected or delivered
UV-Vis Spectrophotometer Applications
In laboratories, large mid-range to high-end spectrophotometers are utilized. On the other hand, portable devices are utilized in the fields for monitoring systems. UV-Vis spectrophotometers are frequently used to find impurities and contaminants in the soil, water, and air. Aside from that, they are also used to research how UV radiation affects living things.
The Advantage of UV-Vis Spectroscopy in Research
UV-Vis Spectroscopy helps research, monitor, and analyze chemical compounds. Research about chemical compounds is vital in our everyday life since the information gathered can impact everything we interact with. With the advent of UV-Vis spectrophotometers, research and monitoring can be done quickly. Plus, it contributes to a positive impact on our science and technology.
