The results of the spatial distribution studies of electron densities, excitation and rotational temperatures and atomic line intensities of various elements in an atmospheric pressure mini‐MIP torch with tangential argon flow. The electron number density,ne, is determined from the width of the hydrogen H&bgr;486.13 nm line while excitation temperature,Texc, is evaluated from the Boltzmann plot of relative line intensities either of carrier gas‐argon or neutral iron that is introduced in the form of aerosols in MIP, The rotational temperatures,Trot, are determined from the relative intensities of OH (R2and Q1branch) electronic band A2&Sgr; − X2&Pgr; (0,0) and toN2+first negative systemB2 &Sgr;u+ − X2 &Sgr;g+(P branch). For the selected input power of 100 W, the influence of hydrogen in the wet and desolvated aerosols and support gas and the corresponding changes of the electron density, excitation and rotational temperature distributions are studied. The influence of potassium, low ionization potential element, to the spatial distribution ofne,TexcandTrotis studied also. Spatial intensity distributions and maximum intensities for investigate atomic line are determinate for the same conditions. © 2004 American Institute of Physics