Skip to main content
NMR Spectroscopy
15. Analytical Techniques:IR, NMR, Mass Spect / NMR Spectroscopy / Problem 2

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is a spectroscopic technique used to determine the structures of molecules in various universities and research centers. The technique involves placing a sample in a very strong magnetic field, generally produced by very large superconducting magnets, irradiating the sample with a radiofrequency, and recording the signal produced by the sample. However, the word "nuclear" might sound dangerous to a nonscientific listener and the NMR instrument might be misunderstood as a nuclear reactor producing nuclear waste. Assuming yourself as a researcher working with NMR, explain how the meaning of NMR can be conveyed to a layman or nonscientist.

a) NMR is a analytical technique while nuclear waste is related to nuclear reactions. 

b) By using NMR spectroscopy, we can generate frequencies that represent the chemical environment within a molecule in a magnetic field. Hazardous waste produced by nuclear reactions is nuclear waste. There are radioactive elements in it. NMR analysis generates no nuclear waste. 

c) Hazardous waste produced by nuclear reactions is nuclear waste. No reaction occurs during NMR analysis.

d) All of the above points collectively explain the fact. 

Was this helpful?
Learn this concept