Spectroscopy Terminology

noun a point on a graph representing the amount of light absorbed by a substance at a specific wavelength

• The absorption edge of the material indicates the energy threshold for electronic transitions.
• The absorption edge basically shows where the material starts absorbing energy.
• The absorption edge is like the point where the material is like 'I'm ready to soak up some energy.'
• The absorption edge is like the material's 'no entry point' for certain energies.

noun a range of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation or sound which a substance absorbs

• The scientist analyzed the absorption spectrum of the compound to determine its molecular structure.
• I was checking out the absorption spectrum of this new material - it's pretty interesting stuff!
• I don't really get all that absorption spectrum stuff, but it looks cool.
• Her absorption spectrum of emotions was wide-ranging, from joy to sorrow.