VALENCE

Works on the basis that atoms of metallic and other particular elements emit light at characteristic wavelengths when they are excited in a flame, arc, or spark. Excited light is directed through an entrance slit in the spectrometer. This light penetrates the slit, falls on a grate, and is dispersed and reflected. The spectrometer is calibrated by a series of standard samples containing known amounts of the elements of interest. By exciting these standard samples, an analytical curve can be established which gives the relationship between the light intensity and its concentration in the fluid.

The smallest complete particle of an element, which can be obtained, yet which retains all physical and chemical properties of the element.

The weight of an elementary atom, in relation to the weight of an atom of hydrogen. A hydrogen atom being taken as 1.00g.

A bond in which two atoms share pair of electrons.

An iron atom that has a positive electric charge of +3. (Fe2+)

An electron in the outer shell of an atom that takes part in forming chemical bonds or in the flow of electrical current.

A charge atom or radical which may be positive or negative.

The electrical potential which an atom acquires when it gains one or more electrons; a characteristic of an anion.

The central, massive part of anything, such as an atom or comet.

The splitting of the atom or nucleus of the atom into subatomic particles resulting in the release of radiation and heat.