TruDefender FTIR identifies a wide range of materials in which state(s)?

• A. Solid or liquid state
• B. Gas state
• C. Plasma state
• D. Solid state only

Answer: (A)

Infrared spectroscopy identifies materials by how their molecular bonds absorb infrared light, producing a spectrum that serves as a fingerprint for the sample. A handheld FTIR like TruDefender is designed to analyze condensed-phase samples, meaning solids (such as powders or films) and liquids. These states provide stable, interpretable spectra that the instrument’s library can match to identify substances. While FTIR can be used to study gases and, with specialized setups, gas-phase spectra, the typical field-use configuration and capabilities of this device focus on solids and liquids. Plasma doesn’t yield the standard vibrational fingerprints FTIR relies on, so it isn’t identified in the same way. Therefore, the broadest, most reliable range for this instrument is solid or liquid states.