Absorption spectrophotometry is a commonly taught topic
in advanced high school and introductory undergraduate
chemistry laboratories. Historically, analog absorption spectrophotometers
capable of measuring percent transmission at
variable wavelengths (e.g., Spectronic 20) have been employed.
More recently, the availability of USB-based visible spectrophotometers
(such as those manufactured by Ocean Optics) have
made it possible for students to rapidly obtain visible and near-
UV absorption spectra and measure absorbance values at
specific wavelengths.