Recently, the chemical composition of fumarolic gas has been determined using remote spectroscopic m — Analytical Chemistry — Spectroscopy Chemistry Question
Vibrational and rotational spectra of volcanic gas
Recently, the chemical composition of fumarolic gas has been determined using remote spectroscopic methods. The figure shown below is an infrared absorption spectrum (vibration-rotation spectrum) of fumarolic gas. “X” and “Y” in the figures represent two hydrogen halide species. Y is known to dissolve silicate.
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Figure: Infrared absorption spectrum of fumarolic gas obtained from a remote observation using an FTIR equipped with a telescope. X and Y denote hydrogen halides.
Describe chemical formula of X and Y.
Model Answer
X: HCl, Y: HF
As shown in the inset, the absorption bands of “X” are split. This split is caused by the isotopic composition of the halogen in “X”. It has an isotope abundance ratio of 3 : 1. List the two isotopes in order of decreasing abundance.
Model Answer
35Cl, 37Cl