Spectroscopy and the Electromagnetic Spectrum

Section 1: Understanding Spectroscopy

Spectroscopy is the study of the interaction between matter and electromagnetic radiation.
This interaction results in the absorption or emission of light, which can be recorded as a spectrum.
Each chemical substance has a unique spectrum, as its atoms absorb and emit light at specific frequencies.
Spectroscopy is a key tool for understanding the structure and properties of atoms and molecules.

Section 2: The Electromagnetic Spectrum

The electromagnetic spectrum covers all possible frequencies of electromagnetic radiation, from gamma rays to radio waves.
Visible light is only a small part of the electromagnetic spectrum but is vital in spectroscopy.
The different types of electromagnetic radiation differ in their wavelengths and frequencies; gamma rays have the shortest wavelengths and highest frequencies, while radio waves have the longest wavelengths and lowest frequencies.
Astronomers use different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum to observe different aspects of the universe.

Section 3: Types of Spectroscopy

There are many different types of spectroscopy, including infrared (IR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.
Infrared spectroscopy involves the absorption of infrared radiation to cause vibrations of bonds within molecules.
Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy uses light in the ultraviolet and visible regions to excite electrons to higher energy levels.
Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy uses magnetic fields and radio waves to probe the environments of certain nuclei in a molecule.

Section 4: Applications of Spectroscopy

Spectroscopy has numerous applications in chemistry and related fields.
It is used to identify unknown substances, to quantify known substances, and to study the structures of molecules.
In medicine, spectroscopy can be used for diagnostics - for example, to identify markers of disease in a blood sample.

Section 5: Studying Spectra

A spectrum is a plot of the intensity of absorption or emission as a function of frequency or wavelength.
An absorption spectrum shows the frequencies of light absorbed by a substance, while an emission spectrum shows the frequencies emitted.
By studying a spectrum, chemists can determine the identity and structure of a substance, as well as gain insight into its electronic and vibrational energy levels.