Introduction to Spectroscopy

  • increasing frequency/energy to the left (gamma ray)

  • increasing wavelength to the right (radio)

  • microwaves cause rotational transitions

    • increases heat in the system

  • infrared causes vibration

    • increases heat in the system

  • visible light can be absorbed by molecules, putting electrons into a higher energy state (excited electrons, think photosynthesis)

  • ultraviolet light can cause an electron to be ejected, breaking bonds between atoms