Spectrum theory

As we saw in Chapter 1, the importance of numbers in chemistry derives from the fact that experimental measurement of a particular chemical or physical property will always yield a numerical value to which we attach some significance. This might involve direct measurement of an intrinsic property of an atom or molecule, such as ionization energy or conductivity, but, more frequently, we find it necessary to use theory to relate the measured property to other properties of the system. For example, the rotational constant, B, for the diatomic molecule CO can be obtained directly from a measurement of the separation of adjacent rotational lines in the infrared spectrum. Theory provides the link between the measured rotational constant and the moment of inertia, I, of the molecule by the formula ... 

Clark and Whitby (1967) used Friedlander s self-preserving spectrum theory to explain the general shape of the observed size distribution of atmospheric aerosols. Although the formation of the distribution is so slow that there is little likelihood of finding this form in most cases, it is possible that for some global aerosols the quasi selfpreserving spectrum of Friedlander is actually developed. 

A Flaw Spectrum Theory for Multiple Flaw Failure in Solid Polymers... 

Friediander, S. K.. and Hidy, G. M. (1969) "New Concepts in Aero.sol Size Spectrum Theory in Podzimek. J. (Ed.) Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Condensation and Ice Nuclei, Academia. Prague. 

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