Question

In electrothermal (graphite furnace) atomic absorption spectrometry, a heating program is required. Please describe generally how a heating program is designed and explain the purposes of each step and temperature.

Answer 1

Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry also known as Electrothermal Atomic absorption spectrometry uses a graphite-coated furnace to vaporize the sample. Here free atoms will absorb light at frequencies or wavelengths characteristics of the element. Amount of light absorbed can be linearly co-related to concentration of analyte present within certain limits. Free atoms of elements produced from samples at high temperatures. Here samples are deposited in small graphites or pyrolytic carbon coated graphite tube, which can then be heated to vaporize and atomize the analyte . The atoms absorb ultraviolet or visible light and make transitions to higher electronic energy levels. Concentration measurements are usually determined from a working curve after calibrating the instrument with standards of known concentration.