Question

Describe in detail what would happen if:

a) an acetone molecule absorbs microwave radiation.

b) an acetone molecule absorbs radio frequency waves in a magnetic field.

Answer 1

When,

a) acetone molecule absorbs microwave radiation. A photon is absorbed and the acetone molecule undergoes transition in its rotational energy states. This gives rise to rotational spectrum due to change in the dipole for the molecule and to study the degree of freedom associated with it can be studied.

b) when acetone is irradiated with radio frequency waves in a magnetic field it absorbs radiation. The emission spectrum arising due to relaxation is given as a nuclear magentic spectrum and is used to identify the diferent types of bonds or functional groups in the molecule. Say in acetone we would have protons coupling with each other and carbons coupling with each other. Carbonyl carbon which appears at most downfield position can be distinguished from other carbons in the moelcule.