Nephelometry measures light that is reflected by particles. Which option correctly reflects this concept?

Nephelometry measures light that is reflected by particles. Which option correctly reflects this concept?

• A. Absorbed
• B. Reflected
• C. Transmitted
• D. Adsorbed by the particles of a suspension

Answer: (B)

Nephelometry measures light that is scattered by particles in suspension. When light hits particles, some energy is absorbed, some is transmitted, and some is scattered in different directions. The instrument detects the light that is redirected by the particles, which is described as reflected or scattered light. That’s why the best choice is the one labeled as reflected. The other terms refer to processes not measured by nephelometry: absorption (light captured by particles), transmission (light passing through), and adsorption (molecules sticking to surfaces).