ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Nuclear resonance vibrational spectroscopy

Alright kiddo, let me break down nuclear resonance vibrational spectroscopy (NRVS) for you.

Everything is made up of tiny particles called atoms. These atoms have a nucleus in the center and electrons orbiting around it. The electrons are like busy bees buzzing around a flower, always moving and creating energy.

Now, the nucleus of an atom is made up of protons and neutrons. Sometimes, these protons and neutrons can wiggle and vibrate, just like a guitar string. This wiggling and vibrating is called a vibration.

Scientists can study these vibrations by using a special method called NRVS. They shoot a beam of neutrons at a sample (like a piece of a material or a molecule). The neutrons interact with the protons and neutrons in the sample's nucleus and cause them to vibrate in a certain way.

The vibrations that occur are unique to each type of bond between atoms in the sample. These vibrations can be measured by using special instruments and turned into a spectrum, which is like a fingerprint for the molecule.

By studying the spectrum, scientists can learn more about the sample and the bonds between the atoms in it. This can help them understand how the sample works and how it might be used in the future.

So, in summary, NRVS is a way for scientists to study the vibrations of a sample's atoms by shooting neutrons at it and examining the resulting spectrum. This helps them understand the sample better and learn about the bonds between its atoms.