When a sample absorbs infrared radiation
A - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 8 - 2010 - Paper 1
Question 8
When a sample absorbs infrared radiation
A. covalent bonds are broken.
B. covalent bonds stretch and vibrate.
C. the spin alignment of certain nuclei changes.
D. ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:When a sample absorbs infrared radiation
A - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 8 - 2010 - Paper 1
Step 1
A. covalent bonds are broken.
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Answer
This statement is inaccurate in the context of infrared radiation absorption. Infrared radiation generally does not provide enough energy to break covalent bonds.
Step 2
B. covalent bonds stretch and vibrate.
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Answer
This statement is correct. When a sample absorbs infrared radiation, it primarily causes the covalent bonds within the molecules to stretch and vibrate. This vibrational energy is what infrared spectroscopy measures.
Step 3
C. the spin alignment of certain nuclei changes.
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Answer
This statement is not correct with respect to infrared radiation. Changes in spin alignment of nuclei typically relate to radiofrequency radiation and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) rather than infrared.
Step 4
D. electrons in atoms move to higher energy levels.
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Answer
This statement is also incorrect for infrared radiation. Transition of electrons to higher energy levels occurs with ultraviolet or visible light, not infrared radiation.
