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

[kq6up]

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

Thanks,
KQ6UP

 

[DrClaude]

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.

 

[kq6up]

Thanks