Which device creates a fine aerosol for introduction into the flame?

• A. Nebulizer
• B. Detector
• C. Monochromator
• D. Light

Answer: (A)

Creating a fine aerosol to introduce the liquid sample into the flame is the key idea. A nebulizer uses a carrier gas to push the liquid through a small orifice, spraying it into many tiny droplets. This fine mist is carried into the flame where the droplets are atomized, producing free atoms that can be measured accurately. The quality and consistency of the aerosol affect how well the sample is atomized and, therefore, the reliability of the measurement. Detectors are used to read the signal after atomization, a monochromator selects the wavelength to monitor, and a light source provides the energy or light for analysis. The device that actually generates the fine aerosol for flame introduction is the nebulizer.