A spectrometer measures the intensity of light over a specific range of wavelengths, providing detailed information about the composition of a sample. In contrast, a spectrophotometer measures the amount of light absorbed or transmitted by a sample at a particular wavelength, often used for quantitative analysis or determining concentrations.

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While both instruments analyze light, spectrometers offer broader spectral analysis capabilities, while spectrophotometers focus on specific wavelengths for precise measurements, making them suitable for different analytical needs in fields such as chemistry, physics, and biology.