Question

Using spectroscopic measurements, what physical process is being observed?

Answer 1

All “spectroscopy” methods use light wavelengths from infrared to UV. The wavelength used will correspond to different characteristics of molecules and atoms.

Explanation:

Adsorption spectroscopy measures the amount of a wavelength adsorbed by a substance. Emission spectroscopy measures the amount of a wavelength emitted by a substance after excitation.

In both versions, a molecule is interacted with by external light or energy, and the way that energy is used or transformed by the molecule is specific to its structure.