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Percent Transmittance Equation:
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Percent transmittance (%T) is a measurement of how much light passes through a substance compared to the initial light intensity. It is commonly used in spectroscopy and water quality analysis to determine the clarity and purity of water samples.
The calculator uses the percent transmittance equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation calculates the percentage of light that passes through a water sample without being absorbed or scattered.
Details: Percent transmittance is crucial for assessing water quality, monitoring treatment processes, and detecting contaminants in water samples. Higher transmittance values indicate clearer water with fewer suspended particles.
Tips: Enter both intensity values in the same units. Ensure initial intensity is greater than zero and transmitted intensity is less than or equal to initial intensity for meaningful results.
Q1: What is the difference between transmittance and percent transmittance?
A: Transmittance is the ratio I/I₀ (ranging 0-1), while percent transmittance is this ratio multiplied by 100 (ranging 0-100%).
Q2: What are typical percent transmittance values for clean water?
A: Pure distilled water typically has percent transmittance values above 95% at visible wavelengths, while natural waters may have lower values due to dissolved and suspended materials.
Q3: How does turbidity affect percent transmittance?
A: Higher turbidity (more suspended particles) decreases percent transmittance as more light is scattered and absorbed by the particles.
Q4: What wavelength is typically used for water transmittance measurements?
A: While various wavelengths can be used, 650 nm is commonly employed as it minimizes color interference in water samples.
Q5: Can this calculator be used for other liquids besides water?
A: Yes, the same equation applies to any transparent or semi-transparent liquid, though interpretation of results may vary based on the specific liquid's properties.