absorption band

noun

Physics.

1. a dark band in the absorption spectrum of a substance, corresponding to a range of wavelengths for which the substance absorbs more strongly than at adjacent wavelengths.

Word History and Origins

Origin of absorption band¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

For many applications, a narrow absorption band may be desirable.

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The spectrum of chlorophyll, the green colouring matter of plants, shows two very strong absorption bands in the red.

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And the study of the absorption bands in the spectrum of the living leaf becomes more intelligible in the light of these conclusions.

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The bodies which exhibit the first kind are those which possess strong absorption bands, of which only one remains appreciable after great dilution.

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Only very thin layers are sufficiently transparent to show the dispersion near or within an absorption band, and a large refracting angle is not required, the dispersion usually being very considerable.

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