This set of Engineering Chemistry Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses

on “Molecular Spectroscopy”.

1. The different types of energies associated with a molecule are __________

a) Electronic energy
b) Vibrational energy
c) Rotational energy
d) All of the mentioned
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: The different types of energies associated with a molecule are electronic
energy, vibrational energy, rotational energy and translational energy.
2. During the motion, if the centre of gravity of molecule changes, the molecule possess
__________
a) Electronic energy
b) Rotational energy
c) Translational energy
d) Vibrational energy
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: During the motion, if the centre of gravity of molecule changes, the molecule
possess translational energy. Translational refers to the movement in horizontal or vertical
direction.
3. The correct order of different types of energies is __________
a) Eel >> Evib >> Erot >> E tr
b) Eel >> Erot >> Evib >> E tr
c) Eel >> Evib >> Etr >> E rot
d) Etr >> Evib >> Erot >> E el
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: The correct order is: Eel >> Evib >> Erot >> E tr. Electronic enrgy is the highest
whereas translational energy is the lowest.
4. The region of electromagnetic spectrum for nuclear magnetic resonance is __________
a) Microwave
b) Radio frequency
c) Infrared
d) UV-rays
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: The region of the electromagnetic spectrum for nuclear magnetic resonance is
radio frequency.
5. Which of the following is an application of molecular spectroscopy?
a) Structural investigation
b) Basis of understanding of colors
c) Study of energetically excited reaction products
d) All of the mentioned
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: The various applications of molecular spectroscopy are- Structural
investigation, basis of understanding of colors and study of energetically excited reaction
products.
6. Select the correct statement from the following option.
a) Spectroscopic methods require less time and more amount of sample than classical
methods
b) Spectroscopic methods require more time and more amount of sample than classical
methods
c) Spectroscopic methods require less time and less amount of sample than classical
methods
d) Spectroscopic methods require more time and less amount of sample than classical
methods
View Answer
7. The results obtained by spectroscopic methods are less reliable, less reproducible and
incorrect than classical methods.
a) True
b) False
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: The results obtained by spectroscopic methods are reliable, reproducible and
correct than classical methods.
8. The transition zone for Raman spectra is __________
a) Between vibrational and rotational levels
b) Between electronic levels
c) Between magnetic levels of nuclei
d) Between magnetic levels of unpaired electrons
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: The transition zone for Raman spectra is between vibrational and rotational
levels. Raman spectroscopy is a spectroscopic technique used to observe vibrational,
rotational, and other low-frequency modes in a system.
9. The criteria for electronic spin resonance is ____________
a) Periodic change in polarisability
b) Spin quantum number of nuclei > 0
c) Presence of unpaired electron in a molecule
d) Presence of chromophore in a molecule
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: The criterion for electronic spin resonance is the presence of unpaired electron
in a molecule. This spectroscopy is a method for studying materials with unpaired electrons.
10. Sample recovery is possible after spectroscopic analysis because the sample is not
chemically affected.
a) True
b) False
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Sample recovery is possible after spectroscopic analysis because the sample
is not chemically affected.
1. Tungsten lamp filament has required how much temperature ?
A. 2000k
B. 3000k
C. 4000k
D. 5000k
2.How much range wavelength is transmit by silicate glass ?
A. 100 nm to 200 nm
B. 200nm to 300 nm
C. 300 nm to 350 nm
D. 10nm to 40 nm
3. what is role of slit in uv-visible spectroscopy ?
A. Monochromatic radiation to polychromatic radiation.
B. Polychromatic radiation to monochromatic radiation.
C. A and B
D. None of this
4. Which radiation source has electrode in its construction ?
A. Tungsten lamp
B. Hydrogen discharge lamp
C. Xenon Discharge Lamp
D. Mercury lamp
5. Which device is used to isolate the radiation of the desired wavelength from wavelength of
the continuous spectra ?
A. Monochromator
B. Radiation source
C. Recorder
D. None of this
6. Diffraction grating is consists of a
A. Glass
B. Quartz
C. Alkyl halide
D. All of the above
7.  The work of Entrance slit is?
A. To get narrow source
B. To render light parallel
C. To disperse radiation
D. To fall on sample cell
8. Collimator  is used for?
A. To reform the image of the entrance slit.
B. To get narrow source
C. To fall on sample cell
D. To disperse radiation
9. Exit slit used for
A. To reform the image of the entrance slit.
B. To get narrow source
C. To fall on sample cell
D. To disperse radiation
10. Which type of vapour is stored in Mercury lamp ?
A. Mercury vapour
B. Hydrogen vapour
C. Xe
D. Ozone
Answer key
1. B
2. C
3. B
4. B
5. A
6. D
7. A
8. A
9. C
10. A
In which region of the electromagnetic spectrum does an
absorption at 600 nm come?
  Visible.
  
Vacuum-UV.
  
Near -UV.
  
Infrared.
  

A solution of 0.001 mol dm–3 NiSO4 is placed in an optical cell of

pathlength 1 cm, and the absorption spectrum is recorded. The
absorptions have characteristic λmax and εmax values. What are the
correct units of εmax?
  cm mol dm–3
  
cm dm3 mol–1
  
mol dm–3 cm–1
  
dm3 mol–1 cm–1
  

In which region of the electromagnetic spectrum does an absorption at

177 nm come?
  Near -UV.
  
Visible.
  
Vacuum-UV.
  
Infrared.
  

What does the notation σ*←n mean?

  Emission; transition from a non-bonding MO to σ* MO.
  
 Emission; transition from a quantum level n to σ* MO.
  
Absorption; transition from a quantum level n to σ* MO.
  
Absorption; transition from a non-bonding MO to σ* MO.
  

How do values of λmax for the π*←π transitions vary among a series of

conjugated polyenes?
  Values vary very little.
  
Values shift to shorter wavelength as the number of C=C double bonds
   increases.

Values shift to longer wavelength as the number of C=C double bonds increases.
  
Values vary but in no particular pattern.
  

What is a red shift?

  The shifting of an absorption to lower energy.
  
The shifting of an absorption to higher energy.
  
The shifting of an absorption to shorter wavelength.
  
The shifting of an absorption towards the blue end of the spectrum.
  

What is a chromophore?
  A coloured compound.
  
A group of atoms in a compound responsible for the absorption of
   electromagnetic radiation.
A group of atoms in a coloured compound.
  
A group of atoms in a compound responsible for electromagnetic radiation.
  
 Which of the following is the principal chromophore in an azo-dye?
  N≡N
  
C=N
  
N=N
  
C≡N
  

Lycopene (λmax = 469 nm) is present in tomatoes. What colour of light

does lycopene absorb?
  Blue.
  
Green.
  
Red.
  
Orange.
  

In which of the following are the π-electrons not delocalized?

  An α,β-unsaturated ketone.
  
Allyl anion.
  
Buta-1,3-diene.
  
Hepta-1,6-diene.
  

All but one of the following groups can donate a lone pair of electrons
into the carbon π-system of a conjugated polyene. Which is the odd one
out?
  Me
  
SMe
  
OMe
  
NMe2
  
 Which statement is incorrect about the allyl anion and buta-1,3-diene?
  In both, the π-bonding is delocalized.
  
Both have four π MOs.
  
In both, the C atoms are all sp2 hybridized.
  
Both have four π-electrons.
  

Which of the following arrangements of carbon-carbon double bonds

along the backbone of a polyene does not correspond to a conjugated
system?
  –C=C–C=C–C=C–
  
–C=C–C=C–
  
–C=C–C–C=C–
  
–C=C–C=C–C=C–C=C–
  

An aqueous solution of a dye has a strong absorption with λmax= 464

nm. The colour of the solution is:
  colourless.
  
orange.
  
purple.
  
green.
  

Which of the following absorption maxima is not in the visible range of

the electronic spectrum?
  λmax = 480 nm
  
λmax = 550 nm
  
 λmax = 750 nm
  
λmax = 250 nm
  

Which of the following statements is consistent with an electronic

absorption being broad?
  Electronic transitions are always localized on a single atomic centre.
  
The absorption of a photon is slower than the timescale of molecular vibrations.
  
Hydrogen bonding causes an electronic absorption to be broad.
  
An electronic absorption includes vibrational and rotational structure.
  

Two solutions of the same compound were made up. Solution A was of
concentration 0.98 × 10–4 mol dm–3, and solution B was 1.66 × 10–2 mol
dm–3. The electronic spectrum of solution A contained one absorption
at λmax = 230 nm, while the spectrum of solution B contained
absorptions at λmax = 230 and 365 nm. The difference in the spectra
was because:
  εmax for the absorption at 365 nm is much smaller than εmax of the band at 230
   nm.
the value of λmax depends on concentration.
  
electronic spectroscopic data are not always reproducible.
  
the value of εmax depends on concentration.
  

A compound X is characterized in its electronic spectrum by an

absorption with λmax = 217 nm (εmax = 21 000 dm3 mol–1 cm–1). Of the
compounds given below, X is most likely to be:
  buta-1,3-diene.
  
water.
  
β-carotene.
  
ethanol.
  
This set of Organic Chemistry Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on
“UV – Visible Spectroscopy”.

1. What is the wavelength range for UV spectrum of light?

a) 400 nm – 700 nm
b) 700 nm to 1 mm
c) 0.01 nm to 10 nm
d) 10 nm to 400 nm
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Ultraviolet (UV) is an electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength from 10 nm
to 400 nm, shorter than that of visible light but longer than X-rays (the visible region fall
between 380-750 nm and X- rays region fall between 0.01 to 10nm).
2. Which of the following comparison is correct for solvent shift on the n –>π* transition of
acetone?
a) H20 = CH30H = C2H50H = CHC13 = C6H14
b) H20 > CH30H > C2H50H > CHC13 > C6H14
c) H20 < CH30H < C2H50H < CHC13 < C6H14
d) H20 > CH30H < C2H50H < CHC13 < C6H14
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: H-bonding with ground state in n–> π* results in increase in energy gap &
decrease in wavelength.
And as polar solvents show strong H-bonding. So, the correct option is H 20 < CH30H <
C2H50H < CHC13 < C6H14.

3. What is the correct order of λmax for n –> σ* transition?

a) R-OH > R-NH2 > R-SH
b) R-OH < R-NH2 < R-SH
c) R-OH > R-SH > R-NH2
d) R-OH < R-SH < R-NH2
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: According to molecular orbital energy diagram for R-OH, R-NH 2, R-SH (shown
below), energy level will decrease respectively so λmax will increase.

4. What is the correct order of λmax for n –> π* transition for the R-CN, R-NO 2, and R-N=N-
R?
a) R-CN < R-NO2 < R-N=N-R
b) R-CN = R-NO2 = R-N=N-R
c) R-CN > R-NO2 > R-N=N-R
d) R-CN > R-NO2 < R-N=N-R
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: λmax for n –> π*

Electronegative difference order: 3 < 2 < 1

If different is less than energy gap between n –> π* is also less hence more wavelength.
So, energy gap between n –> π* 3 < 2 < 1
λmax–> 3 > 2 > 1
5. What is the correct order of λmax for π –> π* transition for the following three compounds?
a) R-C=C-R > R2C = CR2 > R-CHO
b) R-C=C-R < R2C = CR2 < R-CHO
c) R-C=C-R = R2C = CR2 = R-CHO
d) R-C=C-R < R2C = CR2 >R-CHO
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: MO diagram (C = C), (C = C) & (C = O) and shows the energy gap between π
– π*, increases among these three molecules. So λ max will give the reverse trend.
R-C=C-R < R2C = CR2 < R-CHO
6. What is the correct order of λmax for n–> π* transition for the following three compounds?
a) RCOOH > RCOOR’ > RCONH2
b) RCOOH = RCOOR’ = RCONH2
c) RCOOH = RCOOR’ < RCONH2
d) RCOOH = RCOOR’ > RCONH2
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation:

As we can see from above diagram: +m1 > +m2; +m3

Here since mesomeric effect shows Bathochromic shift: i.e. a change of spectral band
position in the absorption, reflectance, transmittance, or emission spectrum of a molecule to
a longer wavelength (lower frequency)
Here, λmax –> 3 ≈ 2 < 1.
7. Which of the following is the correct order of λ max for n–> π* transition for the given
compounds?

a) 1>2>3>4>5
b) 1<2<3<4<5
c) 1>2<3>4<5
d) 1>2>3<4>5
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: λmax depends upon +m & I effect, which will lead to a shift to longer wavelength
accompanied by increased intensity of absorption represents an electronic level
(considering inductive and mesomeric effect) of the ground and excited states and thus a
decrease in transition energy.
The correct order of λmax is 1 > 2 > 3 > 4 > 5.
8. The ultraviolet spectrum of benzonitrile shows a primary absorption band at 224 nm. If a
solution of benzonitrile in water, with a concentration of 1x 10 -4 molar, is examined at a
wavelength of 224 nm, the absorbance is determined to be 1.30. The cell length is 1 cm.
What is the molar absorptivity of this absorption band?
a) 2.3 x 104
b) 3.3 x 104
c) 1.3 x 104
d) 4.3 x 104
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation:
Benzonitrile in water with:
C = 1 x 10-4 M
A = 1.30
l = 1 cm
We know, A = ℇCl
ℇ = A/C I = 1.30/ 1X 10-4 X 1 = 1.34 X 104.
9. The ultraviolet spectrum of benzonitrile shows a secondary absorption band at 271 nm. If
a solution of benzonitrile in water, with a concentration of 1×10 -4 molar solution is examined
at 271 nm, what will be the absorbance reading (ℇ = 1000) and what will be the intensity
ratio, IO/I, respectively?
a) 0.1, 1.26
b) 0.2, 2.26
c) 0.3, 3.26
d) 0.4, 4.26
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: A = ℇCl and ℇ = 1000 (Given)
A = 1000 x 1 x10-4 x 1
A = 0.1
Also, A = log (IO/l)
0.1 = log (IO/I)
=> IO/I = 1.26.
10. Which of the following structural formula that is consistent with the following
observations: An acid, C7H4O2Cl2 shows a UV maximum of 242 nm?

a) 

b) 
c) 

d) 
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: λx at 242 nm represents it is acid chloride. -OH at ortho position show +m
effect & hence λmax increases to 242 nm.

UV Visible Spectrometers Questions and Answers

1. Beer Lambert’s law gives the relation between which of the following?
a) Reflected radiation and concentration
b) Scattered radiation and concentration
c) Energy absorption and concentration
d) Energy absorption and reflected radiation

Answer: c
Explanation: Beer Lambert’s law gives the relation between Energy
absorption and Concentration. It was proposed by Beer and Lambert.
2. In which of the following ways, absorption is related to transmittance?
a) Absorption is the logarithm of transmittance
b) Absorption is the reciprocal of transmittance
c) Absorption is the negative logarithm of transmittance
d) Absorption is a multiple of transmittance

Answer: c
Explanation: Transmittance is the ratio of the radiant power transmitted by a
sample to the radiant power incident on the sample. Absorption is the
negative logarithm of transmittance.
3. Which of the following is not a limitation of Beer Lambert’s law, which
gives the relation between absorption, thickness, and concentration?
a) Concentration must be lower
b) Radiation must have higher bandwidth
c) Radiation source must be monochromatic
d) Does not consider factors other than thickness and concentration that affect
absorbance

Answer: b
Explanation: The law is derived assuming that the radiation is
monochromatic. So, if bandwidth increases it will create deviation.
4. Beer’s law states that the intensity of light decreases with respect to
___________
a) Concentration
b) Distance
c) Composition
d) Volume

Answer: a
Explanation: Beer’s law states that the intensity of light decreases with the
concentration of the medium. It was stated by Beer.
5. Lambert’s law states that the intensity of light decreases with respect
to __________
a) Concentration
b) Distance
c) Composition
d) Volume

Answer: b
Explanation: Lambert’s law states that the intensity of light decreases with
respect to the concentration of the medium. It was stated by Lambert.
6. The representation of Beer Lambert’s law is given as A = abc. If ‘b’
represents distance, ‘c’ represents concentration and ‘A’ represents
absorption, what does ‘a’ represent?
a) Intensity
b) Transmittance
c) Absorptivity
d) Admittance

Answer: c
Explanation: ‘a’ represents the absorption constant. It is also known as
absorptivity.
7. Which of the following is not true about Absorption spectroscopy?
a) It involves transmission
b) Scattering is kept minimum
c) Reflection is kept maximum
d) Intensity of radiation leaving the substance is an indication of concentration

Answer: c
Explanation: In Absorption spectroscopy, reflection must also be kept
minimum along with scattering. Amount of absorption depends on the number
of molecules in the material.
8. Transmittance is given as T = P/Po. If Po is the power incident on the
sample, what does P represent?
a) Radiant power transmitted by the sample
b) Radiant power absorbed by the sample
c) Sum of powers absorbed and scattered
d) Sum of powers transmitted and reflected

Answer: a
Explanation: P represents radiant power transmitted by the sample.
Transmittance is the ratio of radiant power transmitted by the sample to the
radiant power that is incident on it.
9. What is the unit of absorbance which can be derived from Beer
Lambert’s law?
a) L mol-1 cm-1
b) L gm-1 cm-1
c) Cm
d) No unit
Answer: d
Explanation: Absorbance has no unit. The units of absorptivity, distance, and
concentration cancel each other. Hence, absorption has no unit.
10. What is the unit of molar absorptivity or absorptivity which is used to
determine absorbance A in Beer Lambert’s formula?
a) L mol-1 cm-1
b) L gm-1 cm-1
c) Cm
d) No unit
Answer: a
Explanation: The unit of absorptivity is L mol-1 cm-1. If the concentration is
represented as gm per litre it becomes L gm-1 cm-1.

1. Beer Lambert’s law gives the relation between which of the following?
a) Reflected radiation and concentration
b) Scattered radiation and concentration
c) Energy absorption and concentration
d) Energy absorption and reflected radiation

Answer: c
Explanation: Beer Lambert’s law gives the relation between Energy
absorption and Concentration. It was proposed by Beer and Lambert.
2. In which of the following ways, absorption is related to transmittance?
a) Absorption is the logarithm of transmittance
b) Absorption is the reciprocal of transmittance
c) Absorption is the negative logarithm of transmittance
d) Absorption is a multiple of transmittance

Answer: c
Explanation: Transmittance is the ratio of the radiant power transmitted by a
sample to the radiant power incident on the sample. Absorption is the
negative logarithm of transmittance.
3. Which of the following is not a limitation of Beer Lambert’s law, which
gives the relation between absorption, thickness, and concentration?
a) Concentration must be lower
b) Radiation must have higher bandwidth
c) Radiation source must be monochromatic
d) Does not consider factors other than thickness and concentration that affect
absorbance

Answer: b
Explanation: The law is derived assuming that the radiation is
monochromatic. So, if bandwidth increases it will create deviation.
4. Beer’s law states that the intensity of light decreases with respect to
___________
a) Concentration
b) Distance
c) Composition
d) Volume

Answer: a
Explanation: Beer’s law states that the intensity of light decreases with the
concentration of the medium. It was stated by Beer.
5. Lambert’s law states that the intensity of light decreases with respect
to __________
a) Concentration
b) Distance
c) Composition
d) Volume

Answer: b
Explanation: Lambert’s law states that the intensity of light decreases with
respect to the concentration of the medium. It was stated by Lambert.
6. The representation of Beer Lambert’s law is given as A = abc. If ‘b’
represents distance, ‘c’ represents concentration and ‘A’ represents
absorption, what does ‘a’ represent?
a) Intensity
b) Transmittance
c) Absorptivity
d) Admittance

Answer: c
Explanation: ‘a’ represents the absorption constant. It is also known as
absorptivity.
7. Which of the following is not true about Absorption spectroscopy?
a) It involves transmission
b) Scattering is kept minimum
c) Reflection is kept maximum
d) Intensity of radiation leaving the substance is an indication of concentration

Answer: c
Explanation: In Absorption spectroscopy, reflection must also be kept
minimum along with scattering. Amount of absorption depends on the number
of molecules in the material.
8. Transmittance is given as T = P/Po. If Po is the power incident on the
sample, what does P represent?
a) Radiant power transmitted by the sample
b) Radiant power absorbed by the sample
c) Sum of powers absorbed and scattered
d) Sum of powers transmitted and reflected

Answer: a
Explanation: P represents radiant power transmitted by the sample.
Transmittance is the ratio of radiant power transmitted by the sample to the
radiant power that is incident on it.
9. What is the unit of absorbance which can be derived from Beer
Lambert’s law?
a) L mol-1 cm-1
b) L gm-1 cm-1
c) Cm
d) No unit
Answer: d
Explanation: Absorbance has no unit. The units of absorptivity, distance, and
concentration cancel each other. Hence, absorption has no unit.
10. What is the unit of molar absorptivity or absorptivity which is used to
determine absorbance A in Beer Lambert’s formula?
a) L mol-1 cm-1
b) L gm-1 cm-1
c) Cm
d) No unit
Answer: a