Molecular Spectra: Solving Astronomy Problems

[mystery_witch]

I'm studying astronomy and I'm have these problems to solve, but there are a few things I don't really understand, hopefully someone can explain these things to me.

1. Why are spectra of molecules more complex than spectra of atoms? Is it because molecules can be excited in different ways?

2. Molecular band, what exactly is it? Is a group of lines in a spectra of a molecule?

 

[Gokul43201]

Have you looked at the problem of the rotational/vibrational spectrum of a diatomic molecule? You need to start here (or even first, with the rigid rotor problem). When you do this, the answers to both questions above will become evident.

 

[charng]

3. Can you observe molecular spectra in objects other than stars?

I would be happy to help you understand these concepts. Molecular spectra are incredibly important in the field of astronomy, as they allow us to study the composition and physical properties of objects in space. To answer your questions:

1. The complexity of molecular spectra compared to atomic spectra is due to the fact that molecules have more degrees of freedom. In other words, molecules can vibrate, rotate, and have different energy levels for each of these motions. This leads to a larger number of possible energy states and thus a more complex spectrum. Additionally, molecules can also have electronic transitions, which add another layer of complexity to their spectra.

2. A molecular band is indeed a group of lines in a spectrum of a molecule. These bands are created when multiple energy levels of a molecule are excited at once, leading to a cluster of closely spaced lines. These bands can provide important information about the molecule's structure and properties.

3. Yes, molecular spectra can be observed in objects other than stars. In fact, we can observe molecular spectra in many different types of astronomical objects, including planets, comets, and even interstellar gas clouds. By studying these spectra, we can learn about the chemical composition and physical conditions of these objects.

I hope this helps to clarify some of your questions about molecular spectra. If you have any further questions or need more explanation, please don't hesitate to ask. As scientists, it is our job to help others understand the fascinating world of astronomy.