Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP)

Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) is a tool used in analytical chemistry to identify and measure elements in materials. It works by using a high-frequency electrical field to create a plasma, which is an ionized gas made of charged particles. When a sample is introduced into this plasma, the intense heat vaporizes it and breaks it into atoms. These atoms are then excited and emit light at specific wavelengths that correspond to different elements. By analyzing this light, scientists can determine the composition and concentration of elements in the sample, making ICP valuable for environmental testing, metallurgy, and more.