Microwave Spectroscopy

Microwave spectroscopy is a technique that uses microwave radiation to study the energy transitions within molecules. When a molecule absorbs microwave radiation, it undergoes a change in its rotational energy. This change in energy can be measured and used to identify the molecule.

Microwave Active Molecules

Certain molecules are said to be microwave active because they absorb microwave radiation and undergo a change in their rotational energy. The following are the molecules that will be microwave active:

1. HCl - Hydrogen Chloride
2. CO - Carbon Monoxide
3. NO - Nitric Oxide
4. Benzene
5. CH3Cl - Methyl Chloride
6. CH2Cl2 - Dichloromethane

Explanation

The molecules that are microwave active must have a permanent dipole moment. A permanent dipole moment is caused by an unequal distribution of electrons within the molecule. This unequal distribution causes one end of the molecule to be slightly positive and the other end to be slightly negative. When microwave radiation is applied to the molecule, it causes the molecule to rotate and undergo a change in its rotational energy.

Out of the given molecules, only 6 have a permanent dipole moment. These molecules are HCl, CO, NO, Benzene, CH3Cl, and CH2Cl2. The rest of the molecules either have a symmetrical shape or have a zero dipole moment, which makes them non-microwave active.

Conclusion

Microwave spectroscopy is a useful technique for studying the rotational energy transitions within molecules. The molecules that are microwave active have a permanent dipole moment and undergo a change in their rotational energy when exposed to microwave radiation. Out of the given molecules, only 6 have a permanent dipole moment and are microwave active.