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Spectroscopy and the Electromagnetic Spectrum

Spectroscopy is the study of the interaction between electromagnetic (EM) radiation and matter. It is a fundamental tool in chemistry for identifying substances and understanding atomic and molecular structure.

Electromagnetic Spectrum​

  • Radio waves → Microwaves → Infrared → Visible → Ultraviolet → X-rays → Gamma rays
  • Wavelength (λ): Distance between successive peaks of a wave
  • Frequency (ν): Number of wave cycles per second
  • Energy (E): E = hν, where h is Planck’s constant

Types of Spectroscopy​

  1. UV-Vis Spectroscopy

    • Measures absorption of ultraviolet or visible light
    • Provides information about electronic transitions

  2. IR Spectroscopy

    • Measures absorption of infrared light
    • Provides information about molecular vibrations and functional groups

  3. NMR Spectroscopy

    • Uses radio waves in a magnetic field to probe atomic nuclei
    • Determines structure of organic compounds

  4. Mass Spectrometry (MS)

    • Measures mass-to-charge ratio of ions
    • Identifies molecular weight and fragmentation patterns

Applications​

  • Determining molecular structure and functional groups
  • Identifying unknown compounds
  • Monitoring chemical reactions
  • Studying atomic and molecular energy levels

Importance​

  • Provides insights into bonding, molecular geometry, and electronic configuration
  • Essential in analytical chemistry, pharmaceuticals, and materials science

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