What is the Difference Between Spectroscopy and Spectrometry?

The main difference between spectroscopy and spectrometry lies in their focus and application. Here are the key distinctions:

• Spectroscopy: This is the study of the interaction between radiated energy and matter, focusing on how materials respond to electromagnetic radiation. It does not generate results on its own. Examples of spectroscopy techniques include ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) absorption spectroscopy, infrared (IR) absorption spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.
• Spectrometry: This is the application of spectroscopy to obtain quantifiable results. Spectrometry deals with the measurement of a specific spectrum. It is the practical application where results are generated, helping in the quantification of absorbance, optical density, or transmittance. Examples of spectrometers include mass spectrometry, neutron triple-axis spectrometry, and ion-mobility spectrometry.

In summary, spectroscopy is the study of the interaction between light and matter, while spectrometry refers to the measurement process itself. Spectroscopy is the theoretical science, and spectrometry is the practical measurement.

Comparative Table: Spectroscopy vs Spectrometry

The main difference between spectroscopy and spectrometry lies in their definitions and applications. Here is a table summarizing their differences:

In summary, spectroscopy is the study of the interaction between light and matter, while spectrometry refers to the measurement process itself, providing quantifiable results through the application of spectroscopy.