Instrumental Methods of Analysis - Topic 2 - Flame Photometry

Presented by : Ms. Amruta Yadao

Presented By : Ms. Amruta Yadao
Table of contents
01
03
02
04
Introduction Components of
Flame Photometer
Principle and
Working of Flame
Photometer
Applications of
Flame Photometer

Introduction
• Flame photometry is a technique that measures the intensity of light
emitted from a flame when a metal or other element is introduced into
it. The wavelength of the light emitted indicates the type of element
present.
• It is a widely used analytical technique used for quantitative elemental
analysis.
• This method relies on the principle of emission spectroscopy, where atoms
and ions in a sample emits light at specific wavelengths when subjected to
high temperature.
• Flame photometry is suitable for qualitative and quantitative
determination of several cations, especially for metals that are easily
excited to higher energy levels i.e. Na, K, Rb, Cs, Ca, Ba, Cu.

Principle of Flame Photometry
• A Flame photometer works on the basis of atomic emission spectroscopy.
• This method is based on the fact that when certain elements atoms are
heated to high temperatures, they absorb energy and gets excited to
higher energy levels.
• But these atoms are unstable in excited state and thus they returns to
their ground state.
• While Returning to the ground state they emits photons (light) of specific
wavelength.
• By measuring the intensity of this emitted light, the concentration of the
element of interest can be determined.
• The wavelength of color tells what the element is (qualitative), The color's
intensity tells us how much of the element presentn(quantitative).

Components of Flame Photometer
Flame Source
01
Monochromator
03
Atomizer
02
Signal Processor
04
Detector
05

1) Flame Source
• This is where the atomization and excitation of the sample take place.
• A burner in the photometer acts as a source of flame.
• It can be maintained in at a constant temperature. The temperature of the
flame is one of the critical factors in flame photometry.
• The flame used in in instrument must possess these functions...
-the flame should possess the ability to evaporate the liquid droplets from
the sample solution resulting in the formation of solid residues.
-the flame should decompose the compound in the solid residue, resulting
in the formation of atoms.

Monochromator
• After the sample is atomized and the metals are excited in the flame, they
emit light at characteristic wavelengths.
• The monochromator serves to select the specific wavelength of interest,
filtering out other wavelengths. This can be a prism or a diffraction grating.
Atomizer
• The atomizer is responsible for introducing the sample solution into the
flame in a controlled manner.
• This can be achieved using a nebulizer or an aspirator.
• The nebulizer breaks up the liquid into small droplets.
• The flow carries the sample into the atomization region.
• And then the atomizer converts the analyte into free atoms

Signal Processor
● The signal processor amplifies and process the electrical signal coming
from the detector, allowing for quantitative analysis.
Detector
● The radiation coming from the optical system is allowed to fall on the
detector which measure
the intensity of radiation falling on it.
● The detector should be sensitive to radiation of all wavelengths that may
be examined.
● In good flame photometer, the photomultiplier detectors are employed
which produce an electrical signal from the radiation falling on them.

Working Principle of Flame Photometer
The working principle of a flame photometer involves several essential steps.
1. Sample Introduction :
The sample solution is introduced into the flame through the atomizer. The
solution is typically nebulized, ensuring a fine spray for efficient atomization.
2. Atomization and Desolvation :
As the sample enters the flame, the solvent evaporates, leaving behind the
dissolved elements in the form of atoms or ions. The high temperature of the
flame further excited these atoms or ions.
3. Emission of Light :
The excited atoms or ions in the flame emit light at specific wavelengths
characteristic of the element present in the sample.

4. Wavelength Selection :
The monochromator selects the desired wavelength of light emitted by the
sample, while blocking out other unwanted wavelengths.
5. Detection and Measurement :
The detector captures the selected wavelength of light and converts it into
an electrical signals. The signal Processor then measures the intensity of the
signal, which is proportional to the concentration of the element in the
sample.
6. Quantitative analysis :
The measured signal is compared to the calibration curves or standards to
determine the concentration of the element in the sample solution. This
allows for the quantitative analysis of the specific element of interest.

Applications of Flame Photometry
● It is used to estimate sodium, potassium, calcium, lithium etc. level in
sample of serum, urine, Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) and other body fluids.
● Flame photometry is useful for the determination of alkali and alkaline
earth metals in soil, water and plant samples.
● It is Used in determination of lead in petrol.
● It is used for the analysis of mineral content in food and beverage for quality
control purposes.
● It is Used in determination of calcium and magnesium in cement.
● It is used in sea water estimation for sodium and magnesium levels.

Instrumental Methods of Analysis - Topic 2 - Flame Photometry

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