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Nuclear magnetic resonance

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A Philips MRI scanner at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg, Sweden.

What Is Nuclear Magnetic Resonance?

Nuclear magnetic resonance, or NMR, is a special way scientists study tiny parts of atoms called nuclei. It works when these nuclei are placed inside a strong magnetic field. The nuclei act like tiny magnets and send out signals that scientists can read.

How NMR Helps Us

NMR is very useful. In hospitals, it helps doctors look inside the body without surgery. This is called magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In chemistry, NMR helps scientists see how molecules are built. This lets them learn about different chemicals and materials.

Fun Facts About NMR

NMR was first discovered in 1938 by Isidor Rabi. Later, Felix Bloch and Edward Mills Purcell used this idea with liquids and solids. They won a Nobel Prize in Physics for their work. Today, NMR is used in many places, from labs to hospitals, making it an important tool for science and medicine.

Images

A diagram showing how in situ NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) works, used to study materials during reactions.
A high-tech machine called a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectrometer used to study materials in a science lab.
An animation showing how nuclei and electrons behave in a magnetic field, used to study materials in science.
A high-powered NMR spectrometer used for advanced scientific research.

Related articles

Nobel Prize in Physics

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