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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Absorptance and Absorbance?

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Absorptance and absorbance are related but distinct measurements of how much light a material absorbs. The main differences between them are:

  1. Definition: Absorptance is the ratio of the light absorbed to the total incident light, while absorbance is a logarithmic measure of the amount of light absorbed.
  2. Quantity: Absorptance is a measurement of the flux that has been absorbed, while absorbance is a measurement of flux that has passed through.
  3. Relationship with Concentration: Absorbance varies linearly with the concentration, but absorptance varies nonlinearly.

In summary, absorptance and absorbance are different ways to measure the light-absorbing properties of a material. Absorptance is a ratio of absorbed light to incident light, while absorbance is a logarithmic measure of absorption. Both quantities are used in various applications, such as chemical analysis, spectrometry, and spectrophotometry, to study the interaction of light with matter.

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  • What is the Difference Between Absorptance and Absorbance?
  • Comparative Table: Absorptance vs Absorbance

    • Comparative Table: Absorptance vs Absorbance

    The main difference between absorptance and absorbance lies in their definitions and applications. Here is a comparison table highlighting the differences between the two:

    Parameter Absorption Adsorption
    Definition The process in which a fluid is dissolved by a liquid or a solid (absorbent). The process in which atoms, ions, or molecules from a substance adhere to a surface of the adsorbent.
    Occurrence Passive (diffusion) or active (facilitated diffusion or active transport) Surface-based process, creates a film of adsorbate on the surface of the adsorbent.
    Mass Transfer Involves mass transfer into another material. Involves the adhesion of particles onto a substance.
    Examples - A paper towel absorbing water
    - Oxygen from air dissolving into water    		 - A sponge in water becoming saturated
    - Air-conditioning systems using adsorption.

    In summary, absorption is the process where a substance is dissolved in a liquid or gas, while adsorption is the process where atoms, ions, or molecules from a substance adhere to a surface of the adsorbent.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.