Question

Which statement correctly compares what occurs when molecules absorb photons in the microwave region with what occurs when molecules absorb photons in the infrared region?
Microwave photons cause the molecules to increase their rotational energy states, whereas infrared photons cause the molecules to increase their vibrational energy states.

Microwave photons cause the molecules to increase their rotational energy states, whereas infrared photons cause the molecules to increase their vibrational energy states.
A

Microwave photons cause electrons in the molecules to increase their electronic energy states, whereas infrared photons cause the molecules to increase their rotational energy states.

Microwave photons cause electrons in the molecules to increase their electronic energy states, whereas infrared photons cause the molecules to increase their rotational energy states.
B

Microwave photons cause the molecules to increase their vibrational energy states, whereas infrared photons cause electrons in the molecules to increase their electronic energy states.

Microwave photons cause the molecules to increase their vibrational energy states, whereas infrared photons cause electrons in the molecules to increase their electronic energy states.
C

Microwave photons cause the molecules to increase their rotational energy states, whereas infrared photons cause electrons in the molecules to increase their electronic energy states.

Answer 1

d.) Microwave photons cause the molecules to increase their rotational energy states, whereas infrared photons cause electrons in the molecules to increase their electronic energy states.

Explanation:

Microwave: transitions in the molecular rotational levels

Infrared: transitions in molecular vibrational levels

UV/Visible: transitions in electronic energy levels.