Infrared Spectroscopy

measurement of the amount of light absorbed by a compound as a function of the wavelength of light

height of a wave, measured as the distance from the point of equilibrium to a crest or trough

wave of energy produced by the movement of photons through space

entire range of electromagnetic waves, defined by their energy, wavelengths, and frequencies

number of oscillations of a wave that occur in a given period of time, usually a second, measured in hertz (Hz)

group of atoms with specific physical, chemical, and reactivity properties

region of the electromagnetic spectrum that corresponds to frequencies from just below the visible light frequencies to just above the highest microwave and radar frequencies

instrument that measures the frequencies of infrared light absorbed by a compound

method that observes the vibrations of bonds and provides evidence of the functional groups present

graph of the energy absorbed or transmitted by a molecule as a function of the frequency or wavelength of light

emission of electrons when light strikes a material

fundamental particle that has a fixed amount of energy stored as electromagnetic radiation

study of how light interacts with matter

method that observes electronic transitions and provides information on the electronic bonding in the sample

periodic oscillation of energy or matter

number of wavelengths of the wave in a centimeter; or the reciprocal of the wavelength (in centimeters)

concept that light has properties of both particles and waves

distance between two identical parts of a wave