What does a spectrometer measure?

A spectrometer is an instrument specifically designed to measure the properties of light across different wavelengths within the electromagnetic spectrum. This measurement can include various characteristics such as intensity, wavelength, and frequency, allowing for detailed analysis of light from various sources. When light is passed through a spectrometer, it can be dispersed into its constituent colors or wavelengths, enabling the evaluation of spectra.

This measurement capability is crucial in numerous fields, such as physics, chemistry, and astronomy, where understanding the composition and behavior of light is essential. For instance, in chemistry, spectrometers can inform us about the presence of specific elements or compounds in a sample by analyzing their characteristic spectral lines.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary function of a spectrometer. While the mass of an object, properties of matter in chemical reactions, and electrical resistance are important in their own right, they do not pertain to the capabilities of a spectrometer, which is focused specifically on light and its properties.