IR SPECTROSCOPY Meaning and
Definition
-
Infrared (IR) spectroscopy is a branch of spectroscopic analysis that involves the study of the interaction between matter and electromagnetic radiation within the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. It is a powerful tool used in chemistry and analytical science to identify and characterize chemical compounds based on their unique infrared absorption patterns.
IR spectroscopy operates on the principle that molecules absorb specific frequencies of infrared radiation corresponding to the vibrational modes of their chemical bonds. By measuring the intensity of absorption at different wavelengths, a chemical fingerprint or spectrum can be obtained, providing valuable information about the functional groups, molecular structure, and composition of the sample.
The equipment used in IR spectroscopy consists of an IR light source that emits a broad range of infrared radiation and a detector that measures the absorption of specific wavelengths. The resulting absorption spectrum is typically displayed as a graph, known as an infrared spectrum, with the x-axis representing the wavelengths and the y-axis representing the intensity of absorption.
This technique finds applications across various fields, including organic and inorganic chemistry, environmental analysis, material science, biochemistry, and forensic science. It is notably employed in the identification of unknown compounds, analysis of chemical reactions, determination of chemical composition, and monitoring of chemical processes.
IR spectroscopy offers several advantages, such as its non-destructive nature, minimal sample preparation requirements, and its ability to provide qualitative and quantitative data. However, it also has limitations, including potential interference from water vapor or other impurities in the sample and its insensitivity towards certain functional groups or compounds.
Etymology of IR SPECTROSCOPY
The term "IR spectroscopy" stands for "Infrared spectroscopy".
The etymology of "infrared" can be traced back to the Latin prefix "infra", meaning "below" or "under", and the English word "red". The term was coined in the early 19th century by the astronomer Frederick William Herschel. Herschel discovered the existence of invisible radiation beyond the red end of the visible spectrum, which he called "infrared" due to its position below the red color.
"Spectroscopy" originated from the Greek words "skopein", meaning "to look" or "to view", and "spectron", meaning "specter" or "image". Thus, spectroscopy refers to the scientific technique of analyzing the interaction between matter and electromagnetic radiation.
