Why doesn't Nitrogen work in the IR spectra?

Question

Why doesn't Nitrogen work in the IR spectra?

Answer 1

There is a quantum mechanical condition that in order for a molecular vibration to be observed in the IR there must be a dipole moment change accompanying the vibration. It is called a selection rule (google). For homonuclear diatomic molecules, A2, the stretch, ↔A-A↔ , is silent in the IR because the molecule does not have a dipole. H2, N2, O2, F2 (etc) fit into this category. For heteronuclear AB diatomics there is necessarily a dipole and hence a change with the ν(A-B): ↔δ+A-Bδ-↔. These molecules will have a stretching absorption in the IR.

Answer 2

Nitrogen Ir Peaks

Answer 3

I guess Nitrogen just absorbs IR light and re-emmits it as another light.