Bonds as Springs

Infrared spectroscopy

An interactive lesson with 6 steps, about 5 minutes: you predict, drag and solve, with instant feedback on every answer. It runs in your browser and needs JavaScript.

What you’ll learn

• ν̃ ∝ √(k/μ): stiff bonds and light atoms vibrate faster.
• Landmarks: O–H broad ~3300, C–H ~2900, C=O sharp ~1700, C–O ~1050.

Steps

1. Vibrating bonds
2. Which vibrations absorb?
3. Heavy hydrogen
4. Read a spectrum
5. Another unknown
6. Both at once