Question:

Bathochromic shift refers to

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In UV-Visible spectroscopy, certain special terms describe how the absorption peak moves on the wavelength scale. Bathochromic shift is one of these, and the question tests its exact meaning.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
  • Shift to lower wavelength
  • Shift to higher wavelength
  • Decrease in absorbance
  • Increase in intensity
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Concept:
In UV-Visible spectroscopy, certain special terms describe how the absorption peak moves on the wavelength scale. Bathochromic shift is one of these, and the question tests its exact meaning.

Step 1: A bathochromic shift, also called a "red shift", means the absorption maximum (λmax) moves to a longer (higher) wavelength. It is called a red shift because red light sits at the longer-wavelength end of the visible spectrum.

Step 2: The opposite of this is a hypsochromic shift ("blue shift"), where the peak moves to a shorter (lower) wavelength. So option 1 describes the opposite phenomenon.

Step 3: Note also that shifts in wavelength are different from changes in intensity. Hyperchromic and hypochromic effects describe increases and decreases in absorbance/intensity, not wavelength. Bathochromic is strictly about moving to a higher wavelength.

Answer: Option (2) — Shift to higher wavelength.
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