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2: Introduction to Absorption Spectroscopy

  • Page ID
    332799
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    In absorption spectroscopy, specific wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation (EM) are passed through a sample.

    Two common techniques used in the laboratory involve the absorption of ultraviolet & visible light (UV-Vis Spectroscopy) or infrared radiation (IR Spectroscopy). UV-Vis spectroscopy involves the absorption of EM radiation (wavelengths from 100 – 750 nm) while IR spectroscopy absorbs from 750 – 2500 nm.

    • What is the relationship between wavelength and frequency?

    Electronic Excitation

    In order for a molecule to absorb the light, the molecule must have right energy to cause a change in the vibrations or electronic state.

    One way to visualize the energy absorption is to use a diagram that shows the relative energies of excited states as a function of inter-nuclear distance.

    • Label the axes on the diagram shown below.

    clipboard_e6c8fcd26669a0e2682e3b2aade0d0b4d.png

    The horizontal lines represent vibrational states for each of the electronic states.

    • Draw an arrow on the diagram to show the transition associated with the molecule absorbing infrared light (i.e. a bond vibration).

    The two wells indicate orbital levels.

    • Draw a line on the diagram to show an electronic transition between the ground state and an excited state. This is the result of absorption of ultraviolet light.

    In these diagrams, the “bottom” of the potential well in the excited state is displaced toward longer bond lengths compared to the ground state.

    clipboard_e8ab4c55f388dd27fdac7dcf9856cdc12.png

    • Complete the MO diagram after excitation of an electron and explain why the bond length increases.

    clipboard_ef2e856521e56f923b071bbd7595a91c2.png


    This page titled 2: Introduction to Absorption Spectroscopy is shared under a not declared license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Kate Graham.

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