Question

Why do IR spectra seldom show regions at which the transmittance is $100\%$?

Short answer

The transmittance region is seldom shown by the infrared spectra because there are radiation losses and the analyst does not absorb the absorption by the container walls of windows.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1. Given information

Determine the reason for the $100\%$transmittance region, which is seldom shown by IR spectra.

Step 2. Explanation

Reflection and absorption by cell walls and inexact cancellation of solvent absorption can result in attenuation of the beam even in regions where the analyte does not absorb.

The transmittance is inv

• There are radiation losses due to the scattering, reflection, and absorption by the solvent.

• The analyst does not absorb the absorption by the container walls of windows.