3.11 Spectroscopy and the Electromagnetic Spectrum

Explain the relationship between a region of the electromagnetic spectrum and the types of molecular or electronic transitions associated with that region

• Differences in absorption or emission of photons in different spectral regions are related to the different types of molecular motion or electronic transition:
  • i. Microwave radiation is associated with transitions in molecular rotational levels.
  • ii. Infrared radiation is associated with transitions in molecular vibrational levels.
  • iii. Ultraviolet/visible radiation is associated with transitions in electronic energy levels.