UV Spectroscopy - Absorbance vs transmission

In summary, the definition of absorbance (A = ecl) in UV spectrscopy is derived from the definition of transmission (T = It/Io) where It is the transmitted light and Io is the incident light. This can also be expressed as A = -log(T) or T = 10^-A = 10-ecl. However, transmission is a physical quantity based on recorded data, while the definition of absorbance is based on this. The Lambert-Beer law also explains the relationship between transmission and absorbance.
  • #1
Moogie
168
1
Hi

In UV spectrscopy, is the definition of absorbance (A = ecl) derived from the definition of transmission (T = It/Io) where It is the transmitted light and Io is the incident light, or is the definition of transmission defined from absorbance.

Also A = -log(T) and T = 10^-A = 10-ecl.

It looks to me as though transmission is a physical quantity based on recorded data and then the definition of absorbance is based on this

thanks
 
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  • #2
Hello,
In UV both transmission and absorption occurs..
You transmits the light and the sample absorbs the light..
May be you are familiar with Lambert-Beer law.
 
  • #3
Moogie said:
It looks to me as though transmission is a physical quantity based on recorded data and then the definition of absorbance is based on this

That's essentially correct; there is a slight difference in that absorbance can be expressed in terms that do not depend on the thickness of the sample (e.g. e*c, if I understand what you wrote).
 

Related to UV Spectroscopy - Absorbance vs transmission

What is UV Spectroscopy?

UV Spectroscopy is a technique used to measure the absorption of ultraviolet (UV) light by a sample. It involves passing a beam of UV light through a sample and measuring the amount of light that is absorbed by the sample. This can provide information about the chemical composition and structure of the sample.

What is Absorbance?

Absorbance is the amount of light that is absorbed by a sample at a specific wavelength. It is measured on a scale from 0 to 1, with 0 representing no absorption and 1 representing complete absorption of light. Absorbance is used to quantify the concentration of a substance in a sample, as it is directly proportional to the concentration of the absorbing substance.

What is Transmission?

Transmission is the amount of light that passes through a sample without being absorbed. It is measured on a scale from 0 to 100%, with 0% representing complete absorption and 100% representing no absorption. Transmission is used to measure the amount of light that reaches the detector in a UV spectroscopy experiment.

What is the relationship between Absorbance and Transmission?

Absorbance and Transmission are inversely related. As the absorbance of a sample increases, the transmission decreases. This means that when a sample has a high absorbance, it is not allowing much light to pass through, and vice versa. This relationship can be described by the Beer-Lambert Law, which states that absorbance is directly proportional to the concentration of the absorbing substance and the path length of the sample.

What are the advantages of using Absorbance vs Transmission in UV Spectroscopy?

Absorbance is a more sensitive and accurate measure of the concentration of a substance in a sample compared to transmission. It also allows for a wider range of concentrations to be measured, as transmission can only accurately measure low concentrations. Additionally, absorbance is less affected by variations in sample thickness or path length, making it a more reliable measurement for quantitative analysis.

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