
In addition to the electronic ground and excited states possible for atoms, molecules possess both vibrational and rotational levels within each of the electronic states, with the energy separations between these new levels much lower than those between the electronic ones. Without going into detail here, since our focus is on atomic spectroscopy, the formation of bonds introduces many, many more possible electron energy levels that can be addressed by the absorption or emission of radiation. Long ago, you learned that when atoms approach each other and their valence electron densities begin to overlap (bonding), atomic orbitals can be combined to form molecular orbitals (remember, for example, s + p = sp). Simply put, molecules are the combination of atoms that result when bonds are formed between the atoms. Start by considering the differences between atoms and molecules. In order to better understand atomic spectroscopy, you will want to know how it differs from molecular spectroscopy, a technique you may be more familiar with. Can you hypothesize as to why atomic emission measurements are generally made at high temperatures?Ī Short Aside: Atomic vs.Repeat the calculation at 6000K, a routine operating temperature for an ICP torch.Calculate the ratio of atoms in the excited state to atoms in the ground state for this value of ΔE at room temperature (298K).Calculate ΔE (Joules) for this transition.A common wavelength used for measuring lead emission is 220.353 nm. 2 At this concentration, how many atoms of lead are present in 1 L?

The current maximum contaminant level (MCL) set by the EPA for lead in drinking water is 0.015 mg/L. For solids ppm is expressed as mg/kg while for aqueous solutions mg/L is used. A common unit for metal analysis is parts-per-million, or ppm.
