What is the primary function of a spectrophotometer?

The primary function of a spectrophotometer is to measure the color intensity of a chemical solution. This instrument operates based on the principle of spectrophotometry, which involves the absorption or transmission of light by a sample. When light passes through a solution, certain wavelengths are absorbed by the molecules within the solution, and the degree of this absorption is directly related to the concentration of the absorbing substance. By measuring the intensity of light before and after it passes through the sample, the spectrophotometer provides quantitative data that is useful for determining the concentration of specific analytes in a solution. This capability is particularly valuable in various fields, including environmental monitoring, biochemistry, and pharmaceuticals, where precise measurement of substances in a mixture is essential.