Which two chemical processes are utilized in the Intoxilyzer 9000 to measure alcohol?

The Intoxilyzer 9000 measures alcohol by employing infrared spectroscopy and fuel cell technology. Infrared spectroscopy is used to detect specific wavelengths of light absorbed by alcohol molecules in the breath sample. The device emits infrared light through the breath sample and measures the intensity of light that passes through. Alcohol molecules absorb certain wavelengths of infrared light, and this absorption correlates to the concentration of alcohol present.

Fuel cell technology complements this process by providing a secondary means of measuring blood alcohol content. A breath sample is passed over a fuel cell, which oxidizes the alcohol present, producing a measurable electrical current. The amount of current generated is directly proportional to the amount of alcohol in the sample, allowing for an accurate reading.

These two processes work in tandem to ensure the results are reliable and accurate. Other methods listed, such as gas chromatography, colorimetric analysis, and electrochemical analysis, do not form the basis of the Intoxilyzer 9000's operations.