A spectrometer is an instrument used to measure the properties of light across different wavelengths. It helps scientists analyze the composition of materials by separating light into its component colors, allowing them to identify specific elements or compounds present in a sample. This technique is widely used in fields like chemistry, physics, and astronomy. Spectrometers can be found in various forms, including mass spectrometers, which measure the mass-to-charge ratio of ions, and optical spectrometers, which analyze visible light. By providing detailed information about the structure and behavior of substances, spectrometers play a crucial role in research and industry.