What is the purpose of a spectrometer in quality control?

A spectrometer is a critical tool in quality control, particularly in fields that involve radiation measurement, such as nuclear medicine or radiation safety. Its primary function is to analyze the energy spectrum of gamma rays. This analysis helps in identifying the specific energies of radiation emitted by radioactive materials. By assessing the energy spectrum, professionals can determine the type and amount of isotopes present in a sample.

This capability is essential for ensuring that radiopharmaceuticals meet quality and safety standards. For instance, knowing the energy of the emitted gamma rays allows technicians to verify whether the radiopharmaceuticals are of the correct type and activity level for clinical use. Accurate energy measurement is crucial because it influences both the effectiveness of diagnostic imaging and the safety of the procedures performed with these materials.

The other options, while relevant to various aspects of quality control or radiation safety processes, do not specifically pertain to the fundamental function of a spectrometer in the context of analyzing gamma rays. Thus, the focus on analyzing the energy spectrum clearly highlights the instrument's primary purpose in quality control settings.