Spectra Units: cm^(-1)? | KQ6UP

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The discussion centers on the use of the unit cm-1 in atomic and molecular spectroscopy, specifically relating to the wave number k in the equation Ψ = A sin(kx - φ). This unit represents the inverse of the wavelength of emitted or absorbed light, a convention rooted in the historical context of spectroscopy. The cm-1 notation simplifies the measurement process, reflecting practices from the early days of the field.

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I am seeing units for atomic/molecular spectra listed as ##cm^{-1}##. Is this based on the wave number ##k## for ##\Psi=Asin(kx-\phi)##?

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KQ6UP
 
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It is then inverse of the wavelength of the emitted/absorbed light. It is a leftover of the early days of spectroscopy, where this was something relatively easy to measure.
 
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