Spectometry and Electromagnetic Spectrum

Spectroscopy

The study of how matter interacts with electromagnetic radiation.

Electromagnetic Spectrum

A classification of electromagnetic radiation into different types based on wavelength and frequency.

Energy/Frequency/Wavelength Relationship (Electromagnetic Spectrum)

Energy increases as frequency increases (shorter wavelength).

Molecular Motion Types

Translational (movement from one place to another), Rotational (spinning in place), and Vibrational (moving in place, bending/stretching of atoms).

Microwave Radiation

Lowest energy region of the electromagnetic spectrum discussed; associated with transitions in molecular rotational energy levels.

Infrared (IR) Radiation

Higher energy than microwave; associated with transitions in molecular vibrational energy levels (bending, stretching).

Vibrational Spectroscopy (IR)

Measures the vibration of atoms and allows determination of the functional groups present in a molecule.

Ultraviolet/Visible (UV/Vis) Radiation

Highest energy region discussed; associated with transitions in molecular electronic energy levels (electrons moving from ground state to excited state).

UV/Vis Spectroscopy Use

Used to determine the concentration of a colored substance within a solution by measuring the amount of light absorbed (Beer-Lambert Law).

Spectrophotometer

A device used to measure the amount of light absorbed and transmitted through a sam