ATAR Notes: Forum

VCE Stuff => VCE Science => VCE Mathematics/Science/Technology => VCE Subjects + Help => VCE Chemistry => Topic started by: Matt-Ong on June 02, 2011, 09:51:37 pm

Title: Lamps Used for AAS?
Post by: Matt-Ong on June 02, 2011, 09:51:37 pm

I've did quite a bit of practice exams but there's one thing that I don't quite get.

Question:
1)a. Explain why a mercury lamp is used for AAS in this analysis (the analysis is an experiment based on calculating the percentage of mercury in shellfish)

My answer: A mercury lamp should be used as it will emit the right wavelength in order to excite the mercury ions to a higher state.
Exam Answer: It will emit the right wavelength for the mercury atoms to absorb.

I was just wondering whether or not my answer was right or is it different to the answers?

Title: Re: Lamps Used for AAS?
Post by: b^3 on June 02, 2011, 09:54:49 pm

Yeh your answer is basically the same as the exam answer, as when they absorb they will jump up the energy level. Its just saying it in a slightly different way.