Question

Infrared spectroscopy is a useful tool for scientists who want to investigate the structure of certain molecules. Which of the following best explains what can occur as the result of a molecule absorbing a photon of infrared radiation? The energies of infrared photons are in the same range as the energies associated with changes between different electronic energy states in atoms and molecules. Molecules can absorb infrared photons of characteristic wavelengths, thus revealing the energies of electronic transitions within the molecules. A The energies of infrared photons are in the same range as the energies associated with different vibrational states of chemical bonds. Molecules can absorb infrared photons of characteristic wavelengths, thus revealing the types and strengths of different bonds in the molecules. B The energies of infrared photons are in the same range as the energies associated with different rotational states of molecules. Molecules can absorb infrared photons of characteristic wavelengths, thus revealing the energies of transition between different rotational energy states of the molecules. C The energies of infrared photons are in the same range as the total bond energies of bonds within molecules. Chemical bonds can be completely broken as they absorb infrared photons of characteristic wavelengths, thus revealing the energies of the bonds within the molecules.

Answer 1

Answer:The energies of infrared photons are in the same range as the energies associated with different vibrational states of chemical bonds. Molecules can absorb infrared photons of characteristic wavelengths, thus revealing the types and strengths of different bonds in the molecules.

Explanation:

Infrared spectroscopy measures the vibrational energy levels in a molecule. When a molecule absorbs Infrared photons, the chemical bonds vibrate at different frequency. An analysis of the changes in vibrational energy within a molecule can be used to ascertain the different kinds of bond and hence the overall structure of the molecule. The vibrational modes of a molecule includes; bending, stretching and scissoring.