3.9.5

Uses of IR Spectroscopy

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Practical Uses of Infrared Spectroscopy

IR spectroscopy, being able to identify the molecular composition of samples of matter, can be a powerful technique and has a diverse range of uses.

Monitoring of air pollution

Monitoring of air pollution

  • IR spectroscopy is used to measure the levels of dangerous pollutants (e.g. carbon monoxide and nitrogen monoxide).
    • These chemicals are damaging if inhaled so it is important to control their levels.
  • Miniature spectrometers can be set up on busy roads with a laser spanning the road.
  • The absorption data collected on the opposite side of the road can identify the pollutants present in the air at street level.
  • This setup is not restricted to roads and can be used in many different situations including measuring pollution levels across cities from the top of tall buildings.
Breathalysers

Breathalysers

  • Ethanol content in a sample of a person’s exhaled breath can indicate the alcohol content of the blood.
    • This can tell authorities whether someone should be allowed to drive.
  • A breathalyser is a portable device that uses IR spectroscopy to determine how much ethanol is present when somebody breathes into the machine.
Jump to other topics
1

Physical Chemistry

1.1

Atoms, Molecules & Stoichiometry

1.2

Atomic Structure

1.3

Chemical Bonding

1.4

States of Matter

1.5

Chemical Energetics

1.6

Electrochemistry

1.7

Equilibria

1.8

Partition Coefficient

1.9

Reaction Kinetics

2

Inorganic Chemistry

3

Organic Chemistry & Analysis

3.1

Introduction to Organic Chemistry

3.2

Hydrocarbons

3.3

Halogen Derivatives

3.4

Hydroxy Compounds

3.5

Carbonyl Compounds

3.6

Carboxylic Acids & Derivatives

3.7

Nitrogen Compounds

3.8

Polymerisation

3.9

Analytical Techniques

3.10

Organic Synthesis

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