Flame Photometer

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/fleɪm fɔːˈtɒmɪtə(r)/

Definitions

• Noun: An analytical instrument used to measure the concentration of certain metal ions, typically alkali and alkaline earth metals, in a sample by detecting the light emitted from a flame when the sample is introduced into it.
• Noun: A device that utilizes the principle of flame emission spectroscopy to determine the concentration of elements like sodium, potassium, and calcium in liquid samples.

Usage Examples

• "The flame photometer was used to analyze the concentration of sodium in the blood samples."
• "Scientists use the flame photometer to measure potassium levels in plant tissues to study nutrient uptake."
• "The flame photometer provided accurate results for the detection of calcium in the water samples."

Etymology

The term "flame photometer" combines "flame," derived from the Latin word "flamma" meaning fire, and "photometer," from the Greek words "phos" meaning light and "metron" meaning measure. The device was named for its use of flame to excite atoms and its ability to measure the emitted light, a technique first employed in the early 20th century for elemental analysis.

Synonyms

• Flame emission spectrometer
• Flame spectrometer
• Atomic emission photometer

Antonyms

• Absorption spectrometer
• Mass spectrometer
• Electrochemical analyzer

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "flame photometer" is largely standardized across English-speaking regions, but the quality of the vowel sounds may vary slightly based on the accent. Non-English languages might introduce phonetic adjustments to align with their own phonetic systems.

Historical Usage

The flame photometer was first developed in the early 20th century and became widely used in scientific and industrial laboratories. Its invention is often credited to the British chemist Sir Alan J. D. Tyndall in the 1850s, though its modern form and widespread use became more prominent with advancements in spectroscopic techniques. Flame photometry is still commonly employed in clinical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and agricultural research.

Cultural Nuances

The flame photometer is highly regarded in the scientific community, especially in fields such as analytical chemistry and environmental science. It plays a crucial role in quality control and the detection of metal ions in various industries, including healthcare and food production. In some cultures, the importance of precise measurements in scientific instruments like the flame photometer reflects the broader cultural value placed on accuracy and research in technological development.

More Information

Flame photometers work on the principle of flame emission spectroscopy. When a sample is introduced into a flame, the metal ions in the sample are excited and emit light at characteristic wavelengths. By measuring the intensity of this emitted light, the concentration of specific elements can be determined. Modern flame photometers have advanced capabilities, including automatic calibration, digital displays, and the ability to measure multiple elements simultaneously. The device remains a staple in laboratories for its reliability, ease of use, and affordability compared to more sophisticated instruments like atomic absorption spectrometers.