C. V. Raman

Definition

C. V. Raman was an Indian physicist who discovered the phenomenon of Raman scattering in 1928, which is a process where light interacts with molecular vibrations, leading to a shift in the light's wavelength. This groundbreaking discovery laid the foundation for Raman spectroscopy, a powerful analytical technique used to identify molecular species and study their vibrational modes, enhancing our understanding of chemical bonds and molecular structures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. C. V. Raman received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930 for his discovery of the Raman effect, making him the first Asian to win a Nobel Prize in science.
2. The Raman effect is important because it provides unique information about molecular structure and dynamics that is not available from other spectroscopic techniques like infrared spectroscopy.
3. Raman scattering typically involves a monochromatic light source, often a laser, which makes it highly sensitive and capable of detecting low concentrations of analytes.
4. Raman spectroscopy can be performed on samples in various states (solid, liquid, or gas) without requiring extensive sample preparation.
5. The technique is widely used in fields such as chemistry, biology, materials science, and medicine for applications ranging from identifying unknown substances to studying complex biological systems.

Review Questions

• How did C. V. Raman's discovery of Raman scattering contribute to advancements in analytical chemistry?
  • C. V. Raman's discovery of Raman scattering provided a new way to analyze materials by offering insights into molecular vibrations and structures. This was significant because it introduced a non-destructive method for identifying substances and understanding their chemical properties. As a result, Raman spectroscopy became an essential tool in analytical chemistry, enabling scientists to explore complex molecular interactions and enhance their knowledge of chemical compounds.
• Compare and contrast Raman spectroscopy with infrared spectroscopy in terms of their principles and applications.
  • Raman spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy are both vibrational spectroscopic techniques but operate based on different principles. While infrared spectroscopy detects vibrations based on changes in dipole moment during molecular vibrations, Raman spectroscopy relies on inelastic scattering of light, specifically the change in energy as light interacts with molecular vibrations. Consequently, Raman spectroscopy can provide complementary information and is particularly useful for studying symmetrical molecules that may not show strong infrared activity.
• Evaluate the impact of C. V. Raman's work on modern scientific research and its relevance across multiple disciplines.
  • C. V. Raman's work has had a profound impact on modern scientific research by establishing Raman spectroscopy as a versatile tool across various disciplines such as chemistry, physics, biology, and materials science. His discovery has enabled researchers to investigate complex biological molecules, understand chemical reactions, and characterize materials at the molecular level. The ability to analyze samples without extensive preparation makes it invaluable for real-time studies and quality control processes in industries like pharmaceuticals and nanotechnology, demonstrating its ongoing relevance today.

Related terms

Raman Spectroscopy: An analytical technique that utilizes the scattering of monochromatic light to provide information about molecular vibrations and chemical composition.

Inelastic Scattering: A type of scattering that occurs when photons interact with matter and lose or gain energy, leading to a change in their wavelength.

Molecular Vibrations: The oscillation of atoms within a molecule that occurs at characteristic frequencies, which can be detected using spectroscopic methods.