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A Unifying Approach to Absorption Spectroscopy at the Undergraduate Level

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Roger S. Macomber

University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0172

J. Chem. Educ., 1997, 74 (1), p 65

DOI: 10.1021/ed074p65

Publication Date (Web): January 1, 1997

Section:

History, Education, and Documentation

Abstract

This article suggests that when introducing the topics associated with absorption spectroscopy, the students can greatly benefit from a preliminary discussion of the principle of frequency matching. Virtually all types of absorption spectroscopy share a simple but critical requirement: the frequency of absorbed radiation must exactly match the frequency of some inherent or induced periodic motion of the particles. If the particles are not engaged in such motion, there can be no absorption. This principle is a straightforward consequence of the necessity for the electric or magnetic oscillations of the incident radiation to match in both frequency and orientation (polarization) the characteristic electric or magnetic oscillations of the particles absorbing the radiation in order for constructive interference, resonance, and energy exchange to occur. Three of the most common types of spectroscopy (vibrational, electronic, and nuclear magnetic resonance) are discussed as examples of this principle.

Keywords (Audience):

High School / Introductory Chemistry

Keywords (Domain):

Physical Chemistry

Keywords (Subject):

Spectroscopy

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This article has been cited by 1 ACS Journal articles (1 most recent appear below).

Using Visible Absorption To Analyze Solutions of Kool-Aid and Candy
Karen E. Stevens
Journal of Chemical Education2006 83 (10), 1544
- Using Visible Absorption To Analyze Solutions of Kool-Aid and Candy
  Karen E. Stevens
  Journal of Chemical Education2006 83 (10), 1544
  This article describes a set of materials and a brief description of a technique that may be used to introduce concepts of color and visible absorption to students. Because everyday food items are used, the activity may be presented to high school ...
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