• The electromagnetic spectrum spans a
range of energies.
DE = h n Ü
n = 104-1020
• Spectroscopy relies on an instrument
detecting an energy change which is associated with a
molecular or atomic change in energy
states. DE = E2 – E1= hc/l
Usually a wavelength scale is used.
Wavelength scales
• UV-Visible – short-medium wavelength nm
• Infrared – long wavelength cm-1
mm
• NMR – long wavelengths MHz (m)