Question

Why is atomic emission more sensitive to flame instability than atomic absorption or fluorescence?

Short answer

A change in flame temperature can alter the peak, shape, and mechanism of producing atomic emission, making it more sensitive to flame instability.

Step-by-step solution

Step1. Given information

explain why atomic emission is more sensitive to flame instability than atomic absorption or fluorescence.

Step2.Fluorescence 

The process by which a substance that absorbs electromagnetic radiation emits light is known as fluorescence.

Step3. Atomic emission

Energy is absorbed by the atom and released when it returns to its ground state. The wavelength of the radiation emitted by an atom can therefore be determined.

The above principle is followed by atomic emission spectroscopy.

Step4. Atomic emissions are more sensitive to flame instability.

The element or substance under investigation is atomized. The energy from the flame is then absorbed. However, it is possible that this is not the only component discovered in the flame. As a result, it will be extremely sensitive to flame instability. A change in flame temperature can alter the peak and its shape, as well as the method's sensitivity.

Absorbance spectrometry is based on the radiation emitted by the sample after it absorbs it. The substance's absorption is measured to determine the wavelength and amount of radiation. Fluorescence is based on the atom's ability to absorb radiation and fluoresce.

Step5.Conclusion

According to the comparison above, atomic emissions are more sensitive in the situation of flame instability.