Question

Identify what is not a continuum source of radiation for use in absorption and fluorescentspectrophotometers?

• A. Argon are lamp
• B. Hollow-cathode lamp
• C. Deuterium lamp
• D. Xenon are lamp

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

In the context of absorption and fluorescence spectrophotometry, different sources of radiation are used based on their emission characteristics. Continuum sources emit a broad range of wavelengths, making them suitable for applications where a wide spectral range is needed.

• Argon Arc Lamp: This is a continuum source and is used because it emits a continuous spectrum over a range of wavelengths.
• Deuterium Lamp: This is another example of a continuum source, commonly used in UV spectrophotometry for its continuous spectrum in the ultraviolet range.
• Xenon Arc Lamp: Similar to Argon arc lamps, xenon arc lamps also provide a continuum spectrum and are widely used in various spectroscopic applications for their broad emission range.
• Hollow-Cathode Lamp: This is not a continuum source. Instead, it is used specifically in atomic absorption spectroscopy due to its narrow spectral lines, which correspond to the element of interest.

Given this information, the option that is not a continuum source of radiation is the Hollow-cathode lamp. It is used for a different purpose in spectrophotometry, providing specific wavelengths rather than a continuous spectrum.

Conclusion: The hollow-cathode lamp is designed to emit discrete wavelengths specific to an element, making it unsuitable as a continuum source for absorption and fluorescence spectrophotometry, which require continuous spectra.