Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
NMR Spectroscopy is a technique used to determine the physical or chemical properties of atoms or molecules. NMR Spectroscopy allows scientists to confirm the identity of a substance or identify any impurities in a sample.
What is NMR Spectroscopy?
NMR Spectroscopy is a technique used to determine the physical or chemical properties of atoms or molecules. NMR Spectroscopy allows scientists to confirm the identity of a substance or identify any impurities in a sample. The NMR spectrum produced not only reveals which elements are present in a sample, but also the structure that they are arranged in in a specific molecule.
How NMR Spectroscopy Works
NMR Spectroscopy and MRIs in the medical field work on the exact same principles. Certain atomic nuclei are magnetic and will therefore respond to an external magnetic field by orienting themselves either with or against the external magnetic field. While outside the external magnetic field, the atomic nuclei are arranged in random orientations, but when introduced to the external magnetic field, they assume either the alpha orientation or the beta orientation.
The alpha orientation aligns the south pole of the nucleus with the north pole of the external magnetic field, and in turn the north pole of the nucleus with the south pole of the external magnetic field. The beta orientation is the exact opposite of this orientation. The magnetic forces of the atomic nuclei are extremely weak, so both orientations naturally occur, but the alpha orientation is a lower energy orientation. When electromagnetic radiation, in the form of radio waves, is applied to the atomic nuclei, they become excited into the beta orientation and will then relax back to the alpha orientation. This relaxation causes a current in a detector coil in the machine. This is then recorded as a peak on the spectrum. Each unique magnetic atomic nucleus will relax at a different point based on its isotope, the concentration of the substance, and the bonds it has formed. This in turn shows up on the spectrum and allows for interpretation as to what is present in the sample.
Works Cited
Nerz-Stormes, Maryellen. "The Basics Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy." The Basics Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2017.
"Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 08 Mar. 2017. Web. 11 Mar. 2017.
NMR Spectroscopy is a technique used to determine the physical or chemical properties of atoms or molecules. NMR Spectroscopy allows scientists to confirm the identity of a substance or identify any impurities in a sample.
What is NMR Spectroscopy?
NMR Spectroscopy is a technique used to determine the physical or chemical properties of atoms or molecules. NMR Spectroscopy allows scientists to confirm the identity of a substance or identify any impurities in a sample. The NMR spectrum produced not only reveals which elements are present in a sample, but also the structure that they are arranged in in a specific molecule.
How NMR Spectroscopy Works
NMR Spectroscopy and MRIs in the medical field work on the exact same principles. Certain atomic nuclei are magnetic and will therefore respond to an external magnetic field by orienting themselves either with or against the external magnetic field. While outside the external magnetic field, the atomic nuclei are arranged in random orientations, but when introduced to the external magnetic field, they assume either the alpha orientation or the beta orientation.
The alpha orientation aligns the south pole of the nucleus with the north pole of the external magnetic field, and in turn the north pole of the nucleus with the south pole of the external magnetic field. The beta orientation is the exact opposite of this orientation. The magnetic forces of the atomic nuclei are extremely weak, so both orientations naturally occur, but the alpha orientation is a lower energy orientation. When electromagnetic radiation, in the form of radio waves, is applied to the atomic nuclei, they become excited into the beta orientation and will then relax back to the alpha orientation. This relaxation causes a current in a detector coil in the machine. This is then recorded as a peak on the spectrum. Each unique magnetic atomic nucleus will relax at a different point based on its isotope, the concentration of the substance, and the bonds it has formed. This in turn shows up on the spectrum and allows for interpretation as to what is present in the sample.
Works Cited
Nerz-Stormes, Maryellen. "The Basics Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy." The Basics Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2017.
"Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 08 Mar. 2017. Web. 11 Mar. 2017.