Atomic Spectroscopy Post-Assessment Question

[anikamenon2H]

In Online Module #6, one of the questions asked if molecular spectroscopy can be used to identify molecules. I know that the answer is yes but I am confused as to why. Many molecules consist of the same elements (ex: C, H and O), all that varies is the ratio of the elements. Spectroscopy can identify the elements but is it able to identify the ratio of elements present in a molecule as well? Thanks!

[Alara Aygen 3K]

I might be wrong about this but I believe it can detect molecules because every molecule absorb different wavelengths.

[TrishaP_3E]

Once atoms are combined into molecules, they have unique energy transitions and therefore unique spectra.

[Mahika More 1H]

Adding to the previous answers, once the molecule comes together it then has it's own unique wavelengths that it accepts. The different ratios of atoms in each molecule will accept different wavelengths even if the elements are the same. Hope this helps.

[Margaret Wang 2D]

When atoms come together and share electrons, the electrons are behaving differently (different orbitals, wavelengths, energies) so they're not the same as if they were independent. As the people before said, it's the ratio of the molecules.

[sophie esherick 3H]

Once atoms form molecules, they have a specific energy transitions and wavelengths that it absorbs which lets it have a unique spectral fingerprint as well. Hope this helps!

[Lucy_Balish_3G]

Once atoms form molecules, they have a specific energy transitions and wavelengths that it absorbs which lets it have a unique spectral fingerprint as well. Hope this helps!

Just like what Sophie said, both atoms and molecules have a unique "fingerprint" which can be depicted through spectroscopy. Even though some molecules contain the same elements, the different configurations of the molecules give rise to different atomic spectra.