How to use the Beer-Lambert Law?
How to use the Beer-Lambert Law?
Answered
To use the Beer-Lambert Law, first, select a wavelength at which the analyte of interest absorbs light strongly, usually corresponding to its absorption peak. Next, prepare a series of standard solutions with known concentrations of the analyte, ensuring that they span the expected concentration range for the unknown sample. Measure the absorbance of each standard solution using a spectrophotometer at the selected wavelength, ensuring that the path length of the sample holder is consistent. Plot the absorbance values against the concentrations of the standards to generate a calibration curve. Once the curve is prepared, measure the absorbance of the unknown sample, and use the calibration curve to determine its concentration by interpolating the measured absorbance onto the curve. Ensure that all conditions, such as solvent type and temperature, are controlled, as they can affect the absorptivity and reliability of results.
BNO Team