Colorimetry is a method of analyzing chemical samples by passing light through them and measuring the amount absorbed. The equipment must be calibrated and samples mixed well. It can also refer to the science of human color perception.
Colorimetry is the analysis of chemical samples to gather information about their concentration. It involves passing light through a sample and measuring the amount absorbed by the solution, using equipment such as a spectrophotometer to measure as precisely as possible. The technique can be one of several tests performed on a sample to determine its composition, verify its quality and clarity, or demonstrate scientific principles in the classroom. Scientific instrument makers produce a range of instruments for this purpose.
Before a sample can be tested, the equipment must be calibrated to make sure it is working properly. A chemist can start with a clear solution to check for flare and other problems. Vials containing a solution of known composition and concentration can also be used as a reference or reference sample. These allow technicians to check the equipment and make necessary adjustments before starting work with an unknown or questioned sample, to confirm that the measurements will be accurate.
To set up colorimetry measurements, the technician mounts the vial or beaker in a retainer clip and passes light through it. It is necessary to use a filter on the light to select the appropriate wavelength for the given solution, based on the colour. The equipment measures the amount of light absorbed, providing information on the concentration of the solution. This can be plotted on a graph and a number of formulas can be used in colorimetry to transform the data into a meaningful measurement.
Samples can behave unpredictably. They must be mixed well to ensure that the solution is evenly distributed, otherwise the light absorption may not be uniform. Also, some may have particles of material that interfere with the movement of light through the sample, in which case the measurement may also be disabled. Technicians can carefully inspect an unknown sample before testing to determine if it will perform consistently in colorimetric tests.
This term can also be used to describe the science of human color perception. In this form of colorimetry, researchers look at how people perceive color and distinguish between colors. This is important for tasks ranging from designing monitors with adequate resolution to learning how color-blind people perceive the world around them. A variety of equipment can be used to measure the intensity and distribution of color to determine how people may interact with an environment or a work of art such as a painting or photograph.
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