If a sample tube was smudged with a fingerprint when inserted into a spectrometer, what affect would this have on the value of A (absorbance) when you read it? explain.

Answer 1

hmmmm.....look it up on google, do you know anything about the Wright Brothers?

Answer 2

I suspect that the absorbance would increase. The fingerprint would cause the light going through the cuvette to be distorted somewhat. This would lead to less light hitting the detector and thus, a higher absorbance.

Answer 3

I agree with Christina. Depending upon the wavelength, not only could the light be distorted (resulting in apparent absorbance) BUT some could be absorbed due to the oil, especially in the ultraviolet region.