Atoms can absorb electromagnetic radiation to produce an excited state. The electromagnetic radiation must have a certain wavelength (energy) to be absorbed. Another way of exciting the atoms is by heating them. They return to their ground state by emission of electromagnetic radiation.
The wavelength of the absorbed or emitted radiation depends on the atomic species being analysed. A qualitative analysis can be performed by studying the nature of the radiation absorbed or emitted by the sample while a quantitative analysis can be done by measuring the intensity of this radiation.
Conclusion: The nature and the amount of radiation absorbed or emitted by a sample provides the best way of making qualitative and quantitative analyses.
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