Question

What are shims in an NMR spectrometer, and what are their purpose?

Short answer

A shim is used for adjusting the homogeneity of a magnetic field.

Step-by-step solution

concept

NMR stands for Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. NMR spectroscopy is used in molecular chemistry analysis.

Description

NMR stands for Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. NMR spectroscopy is an analytical chemistry technique used in molecular chemistry to analyze the sample for quality control and research.

NMR spectroscopy works on principle of magnetic field. NMR experiments needs a uniform magnetic field over the whole of the NMR sample.

A shim is a device which is used for adjusting the homogeneity of a magnetic field. And the process of homogenizing the magnetic field is called shimming.