What is the Difference Between Atomic Absorption and Atomic Emission?

Atomic absorption and atomic emission are two opposite phenomena that occur simultaneously. The main difference between atomic absorption and atomic emission lies in the processes they involve:

• Atomic Absorption: This process consumes a photon and puts the atom or molecule in an excited state. It occurs when electrons in the ground state absorb energy from photons, causing them to move to a higher energy level. In atomic absorption spectroscopy, a specific wavelength of light, introduced by a hollow cathode lamp or an electrodeless discharge lamp, is absorbed as it passes through a ground-state atomic medium.
• Atomic Emission: This process creates a photon and takes the atom or molecule in an excited state back to the ground state. It occurs when electrons in an excited state emit energy in the form of photons as they return to their ground state. In atomic emission spectroscopy, the excited atoms and ions spontaneously emit light when their electrons fall back from an excited state to a lower or ground-state energy level.

In summary, atomic absorption involves the absorption of electromagnetic radiation by atoms, while atomic emission involves the emission of electromagnetic radiation by atoms. Both processes can be used for analytical purposes, such as determining the concentration of specific elements or compounds in a sample.

Comparative Table: Atomic Absorption vs Atomic Emission

Here is a table that compares Atomic Absorption and Atomic Emission:

Atomic Absorption is the process where electromagnetic radiation is absorbed by atoms, causing their electrons to move to higher energy levels. This process is used to analyze the concentration of metals in a sample. On the other hand, Atomic Emission occurs when electrons emit electromagnetic radiation and transition from an excited state to a lower energy state or ground state. This process helps in finding the concentration of the analyte by emission and is often used for the analysis of solid samples.