Understanding Spectrophotometers: What They Are and How to Choose the Right One

If you're working in a lab, quality control, or environmental testing, you may have come across the term spectrophotometer. But what exactly is it?

A spectrophotometer is a device that measures how much light a substance absorbs. It shines light through a sample and then checks how much of that light comes out on the other side. This tells you a lot about what’s in the sample.

There are different types of spectrophotometers, depending on what kind of light they use. The most common ones use ultraviolet (UV) and visible (Vis) light.

Types of Spectrophotometers

Here are some of the common types you’ll find:

• UV-Vis Spectrophotometer: Measures light in both the ultraviolet and visible ranges. Great for chemical and biological testing.

• Color Spectrophotometer: Focuses on how we see colour. Often used in food, textile, and printing industries.

• Portable UV-Vis Spectrophotometer: A smaller version that’s easy to carry and ideal for fieldwork.

How Is It Different From a Spectrometer?

The terms spectrometer and spectrophotometer are often used together. A spectrometer measures light intensity, while a spectrophotometer uses that data to calculate how much light a sample absorbs. If you're comparing both, know that all spectrophotometers are spectrometers, but not all spectrometers are spectrophotometers.

What Can You Use a Spectrophotometer For?

• Checking water quality

• Testing chemicals in a lab

• Measuring how pure a substance is

• Identifying colours in a sample

• Ensuring quality in food production

Things to Look for When Buying a Spectrophotometer

Choosing the right one depends on what you’re testing and where you’re using it. Here are some things to consider:

• Light range: UV, visible, or both?

• Portability: Do you need to carry it to different locations?

• Sample size: Will it fit your sample types?

• Ease of use: Does it come with software or a touchscreen?

Spectrophotometer Prices in South Africa

The spectrophotometer price can vary widely, depending on the type and features. At Selectech, you can find options for many budgets, from basic handheld models to more advanced lab machines.

If you're wondering about spectrometer prices, or searching for a color spectrophotometer price, you'll find that prices typically start in the lower thousands and can go higher depending on performance and accuracy.

Some common price-related search terms include:

• Spectrophotometer price South Africa

• UV spectrophotometer price

• Spectrophotometers price

• Color spectrometer

• Spectrometer buy online

Where to Buy One Online

If you're looking to buy a spectrophotometer online, it's important to choose a supplier that understands your needs. Selectech offers a range of spectrophotometers for sale and makes it easy to compare options. Whether you’re looking for a UV-Vis spectrophotometer, a color spectrometer, or a portable model, they have tools to match different industries and use cases.

In Summary

A spectrophotometer is a must-have tool for labs, factories, and field testing. It helps you learn what’s in a sample using light. By knowing what features you need and understanding the different types, you can choose the right one without overspending.