Optical Spectroscopy

Optical spectroscopy is a technique that examines how materials interact with light. When light shines on a substance, it can be absorbed, reflected, or transmitted in different ways. By analyzing these interactions, scientists can identify the composition and properties of the material. For example, each element has a unique "fingerprint" of light it absorbs or emits, allowing researchers to determine what substances are present. This method is widely used in fields like chemistry, biology, and astronomy to study everything from chemical reactions to distant stars.