The determination of the fraction of incident light that passes through a sample is a fundamental measurement in various scientific fields. This value, expressed as a percentage, quantifies the extent to which a substance allows light to propagate through it. It is calculated by dividing the intensity of light that exits the sample by the intensity of the light that initially strikes it, then multiplying by 100 to obtain a percentage. For example, if 50% of the light passes through a sample, the value is 50%.
This analysis holds significant value in diverse applications, ranging from quality control in manufacturing to chemical analysis and environmental monitoring. It enables the identification and quantification of substances based on their light-absorbing properties, which are unique to each compound. Historically, the development of spectrophotometry, which relies heavily on this measurement, has revolutionized fields such as chemistry and biology, providing a non-destructive method for characterizing materials and processes.
