key term - Wavelength, λ

Definition

Wavelength, denoted as λ (the Greek letter lambda), is the distance between successive peaks or troughs in a wave. In the context of spectroscopy, it quantifies the distance over which a wave's shape repeats, crucial for understanding how molecules absorb electromagnetic radiation.

Related terms

Spectroscopy:

The study of how matter interacts with various components of the electromagnetic spectrum to measure properties like molecular structure and concentration.

Electromagnetic Spectrum:

A range that includes all types of electromagnetic radiation, from radio waves to gamma rays, characterized by their different wavelengths or frequencies.

Infrared Spectroscopy:

A technique that uses infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum to analyze and identify chemical substances based on their vibrational movements