Absorption spectroscopy

Absorption spectroscopy is a technique used to study how matter interacts with light. When light passes through a substance, certain wavelengths (colors) can be absorbed by atoms or molecules, causing them to become excited or even ionized—meaning they gain enough energy to release an electron. By analyzing which wavelengths are absorbed, scientists can determine the composition and properties of the material, as each element or molecule has a unique absorption pattern. This makes absorption spectroscopy a valuable tool in fields like chemistry, biology, and astronomy for identifying substances and understanding their behaviors.