The flame AA and microwave Plasma spectrometers are actually quite similar in their abilities (ie have similar detection limits and working ranges).

If that is so why do both techniques exist?

What is the purpose?

Answer these questions using the context below.

Pretend you have a job in a chemical analysis lab. Under what conditions (situations) would having an AA in the lab be an advantage (or disadvantage)? Under what conditions (situations) would having a Microwave plasma in the lab be an advantage (disadvantage).