Spectroscopy Worksheet - Atomic Absorption

“Section 1: Calibration Curve,” she read aloud, her breath fogging her safety glasses. On the worksheet, it was a simple instruction: Plot absorbance vs. concentration for lead standards (0.5, 1.0, 2.0 ppm).

She flipped the worksheet over. On the back was the final section she’d added for her most advanced students: The last question read: If your result contradicts the official record, do you trust your instrument or the authority? Justify your answer based on the principles of atomic absorption. atomic absorption spectroscopy worksheet

Elara didn't write an answer. She printed the new data, stapled the old worksheet to it, and walked to the district attorney’s office. “Section 1: Calibration Curve,” she read aloud, her

Elara’s heart thumped. Chemical interference, she scribbled. Formation of refractory oxides. She grabbed a new vial. This time, she added a releasing agent—lanthanum chloride—to break apart any lead-oxide compounds that might be hiding the true metal content. She flipped the worksheet over

Section 3 was where things got interesting: List three spectral interferences and two chemical interferences that could cause false low results.

Too safe.