Spectrometer Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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spectrometer
[spษktษหrษmษtษr ]
Definition
scientific instrument
A spectrometer is an instrument that measures the properties of light over a specific portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. It is used to analyze the composition of materials by determining the wavelengths of light they emit, absorb, or scatter.
Synonyms
analyzer, detector, spectrophotometer.
Examples of usage
- The spectrometer detected the presence of various gases in the atmosphere.
- Researchers used the spectrometer to identify different minerals in the sample.
- The new spectrometer features enhanced sensitivity for biomedical applications.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The first simple spectrometer was created by Isaac Newton in the late 1600s when he demonstrated that white light could be split into a spectrum.
- In the 19th century, Joseph von Fraunhofer developed more advanced spectrometers that allowed for detailed observations of different wavelengths.
- Modern devices have evolved from basic prisms to complex systems, improving accuracy and application across various fields.
Science
- Spectrometers are crucial in chemistry for identifying substances based on their spectral fingerprints.
- Astronomers use them to analyze light from stars and galaxies, helping to determine their composition, distance, and speed.
- In environmental science, they monitor pollution levels by analyzing light absorption from different pollutants in the atmosphere.
Technology
- Many smartphone apps now use basic spectrometer principles to analyze colors and light.
- Advancements in laser technology have created more precise spectrometers for various applications, including medical diagnostics.
- Portable spectrometers have opened new avenues in field research, allowing scientists to gather data on-the-go.
Pop Culture
- Spectrometers and similar devices often appear in science fiction, showcasing futuristic technologies for analyzing environments.
- In films, theyโre sometimes used by detectives and scientists to unravel mysteries through advanced analysis.
- Animated shows for kids sometimes feature simplified versions of spectrometers to explain color and light concepts.
Origin of 'spectrometer'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Latin 'spectrum', meaning 'appearance' or 'image', and Greek 'metron', meaning 'measure'.
- First used in the early 19th century, specifically to describe instruments that analyze light.
- Many scientific terms combine Greek or Latin roots, reflecting the language's role in early scientific discovery.
The term 'spectrometer' derives from the Latin word 'spectrum', meaning 'appearance' or 'image', and the Greek word 'metron', meaning 'measure'. The concept of analyzing light through spectral components dates back to the early 19th century with scientists like Joseph von Fraunhofer, who conducted pioneering work in spectroscopy. The first modern spectrometer was designed in the 1860s, significantly advancing the fields of chemistry and physics by allowing for precise measurement of light wavelengths. Over the years, the design and functionality of spectrometers have evolved, leading to various types of spectrometers, including mass spectrometers and optical spectrometers, each tailored to specific applications.