Spectroscopy and Electromagnetic Radiation

Vocabulary flashcards covering the properties of electromagnetic radiation, the electromagnetic spectrum, photon energy, spectroscopy types, and molecular energy transitions.

Electromagnetic radiation

Radiation that acts as both a wave and a particle, consisting of an oscillating electric field component and an oscillating magnetic field component that are perpendicular to each other and to the direction of propagation.

Photons

Discrete packets of energy that act as particles of electromagnetic radiation, with energy related to frequency or wavelength.

Photon energy formula

$E = \frac{hc}{\lambda}$, where energy is inversely proportional to wavelength ($\lambda$).

Wavelength and energy relationship

A relationship in which shorter wavelengths correspond to higher energy, meaning the radiation can cause more damage.

Radio waves

A form of electromagnetic radiation used to broadcast radio and television.

Microwaves

A type of electromagnetic radiation used in cooking, radar, telephone, and other communication signals.

Infrared

Electromagnetic radiation that transmits heat from sources such as the sun, fires, and radiators.

Visible light

The region of the electromagnetic spectrum that makes things able to be seen.

Ultraviolet

Electromagnetic radiation that is absorbed by the skin and utilized in fluorescent tubes.

X-rays

High-energy electromagnetic radiation used to view the inside of bodies and objects.

Gamma rays

Extremely high-energy electromagnetic radiation used in medicine for killing cancer cells.

Absorption spectroscopy

A type of spectroscopy occurring when photons give their energy to electrons, causing the excitation of valence electrons.

Emission spectroscopy

A type of spectroscopy occurring when an excited molecule or atom returns toward its ground state and ejects a photon of energy.

Rotational transition

A lower-energy transition occurring at the microwave level when molecules or electrons absorb energy.

Vibrational transition

A transition occurring at the infrared level that requires slightly higher energy than a rotational transition.

Electronic transition

A transition occurring when electrons receive the exact amount of energy required to jump up to another energy level.