Copper tubing may be used to connect acetylene to an AA spectrometer when copper is not among the elements to be tested.

• A. True
• B. Not recommended but safe
• C. It is acceptable if copper is not tested
• D. False

Answer: (D)

In AA spectrometry, the materials used to deliver the flame gases must not react with those gases or contaminate the flame. Acetylene is known to react with copper surfaces to form copper acetylide, an explosive compound. That makes copper tubing dangerous for delivering acetylene to the flame, regardless of whether copper is one of the elements being measured.

So the statement is not correct. The safety and accuracy concerns are about chemical compatibility and contamination risk, not about whether copper would be analyzed as an element. Use inert or corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel or glass-lined systems for acetylene delivery to the flame to prevent both hazards and analytical contamination.