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Identifying background radiation sources in flame photometry
Sources of background interferences are those that emit either light or electronic interference. These are usually cancelled out from the...
What is lattice energy and how does it influence flame photometry?
Lattice energy is the energy needed to separate a mole of an ionic solid into gaseous ions. Its internationally recognised definition is...
Can I use a phase diagram to determine states of matter?
When it comes to physics, a state of matter is one of the distinct forms in which matter exists. It’s understandable that you...
The scientific method – from conjecture and hypothesis to predictions and analysis
Having the ability to question what is all around us, is vital to our progression as the alpha species on Planet Earth. But how did we go...
What is spectral interference, when does it occur and how can it be minimised?
Spectral interference, or spectral overlap, is a term used by scientists who are interested in looking at the emission wavelengths of...
What is the difference between a covalent bond and a dative bond?
Today we discuss the difference between the two bonds. A covalent bond is a type of bonding which occurs between two atomic nuclei. This...
What is the visible light spectrum and can the human eye see it?
The visible light spectrum is a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum picked up by the human eye. This spectrum ranges between 380 and...
What is a laser and how does it work?
A laser is a device which stimulates molecules or atoms to emit light at particular wavelengths. It will then amplify that light and...
What outside influences can affect a flame photometer?
When using a flame photometer, flame stability can be affected by a number of different factors and outside influences. These include...
Selecting specific ions for analysis in flame photometry
At BWB Tech, we use flame photometry to measure how bright light appears to the human eye. We use photometry to analyse Sodium,...
What is the Venturi effect and how does it work in a nebuliser?
A Venturi or Venturi tube is a system used to speed up the flow of fluid by constricting it in a cone-shaped tube. As it is restricted,...
What factors can affect your results when using flame photometry?
When carrying out any form of analytical chemistry, it is common for some to achieve one set of results, only to then repeat the process...
How has Albert Einstein’s work influenced modern-day scientific methodology?
In the last 100 years, the technological prowess of the human race has undoubtedly been the human race’s greatest achievement. Albert...
What is sodium, where is it found and why it's important?
Sodium is a chemical element and the most common metal found in the universe. It is a soft metal which can be easily cut with a knife....
What is an aerosol and how is it used in flame photometry?
An aerosol is a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in air or another gas. Aerosols occur naturally and can also be...
The history of the flame photometer – from invention to modern-day use
Before the Instrument: 1556 to 1854 Long before anyone built a flame photometer, a German metallurgist named Georgius Agricola commented on "the colour of fumes" from different types of ores in a paper published in 1556, a qualitative analysis of flame colour to work out what an ore contained. The idea wasn't picked up again for two centuries, until Isaac Newton began investigating light and its properties in the early 1700s, and a further century passed before scientists began investigating...
The basic chemistry equations you need for using a flame photometer
When using a flame photometer, you will eventually reach a stage where using mathematics is unavoidable. This handy guide should help you...
