Spectroscopy is the study of the interaction between matter and electromagnetic radiation (light).
It involves analyzing the spectrum of light emitted, absorbed, or scattered by a substance to determine its properties, such as its composition, structure, and dynamics.
Key Characteristics / Core Concepts
- Interaction of light and matter: Spectroscopy relies on how different substances interact uniquely with light.
- Wavelength-dependent absorption/emission: Different wavelengths of light are absorbed or emitted by substances, revealing their molecular makeup.
- Spectral fingerprints: Each substance possesses a unique spectral “fingerprint” allowing for identification.
- Various techniques: Numerous spectroscopic techniques exist, each employing different light sources and detection methods.
- Applications across disciplines: Spectroscopy is used in various fields, including chemistry, physics, biology, and astronomy.
How It Works / Its Function
Spectroscopy works by shining a light source (e.g., laser, UV lamp) onto a sample. The sample interacts with the light, either absorbing specific wavelengths or emitting light at particular wavelengths. A detector then measures the intensity of the light at various wavelengths, producing a spectrum. This spectrum reveals the sample’s composition and other properties.
Different spectroscopic techniques use different types of electromagnetic radiation (e.g., UV-Vis, infrared, NMR).
Examples
- Identifying the elements in a star using its light spectrum (astronomy).
- Analyzing the composition of a chemical compound using infrared spectroscopy (chemistry).
- Determining the structure of a protein using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy (biology).
Why is it Important? / Significance
Spectroscopy is a crucial tool for scientific research and analysis, offering non-destructive methods for determining the composition and properties of substances.
Its wide-ranging applications in various fields contribute significantly to advancements in diverse areas, from materials science to medicine.
Related Concepts
- Spectrometry
- Electromagnetic spectrum
- Chromatography