How do we use this to solve for the spacing between levels?

In summary, the student is trying to solve for the rotational energy levels of a molecule. They are using the formulas available, and calculating the spacing between the energy levels.
  • #1
dscot
32
0

Homework Statement



So I'm stuck on part (ii) where we have to solve the rotational energy levels.

Problem: http://screencast.com/t/9rZStJdG3wJ

The answer is ii) 0, 3.84 cm-1, 11.52 cm-1

Homework Equations



Equations: http://screencast.com/t/ubFEheGBz

The Attempt at a Solution



Calculate the reduced mass then divide by avagardos number and x1000 to get it into kg per molecule - 1.139*10^-26

Then I use this value to work out I and get 1.457*10^-46

Then, B can be calculated I got 603.52 for this

Next, D = 187.7

Put all this into the equation for E and I end up with 460.24 but the actual answer for this case (j=1) was 3.84cm^-1.

Please let me know if there's anything I can clear up.
 
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  • #2
Hello, dscot.

I agree with your value for I. But, I'm getting much smaller values for B and D. Can you show explicitly your calculations?
 
  • #3
Hi TSny,

Sure no problem :)

B = (6.63*10-34 / ( 8 * ∏ * 1.457*10-46 * 3*108
= 603.52

D = 4*(603.52)3 / 2169.72 = 460.24

Thanks!
 
  • #4
Did you leave out one of the ##\pi##'s in the denominator of B?

Think about the units for your answer for B. In the SI system, the unit of length is the meter.
 
  • #5
Hi,

Sorry I did miss it out when copying it from my notes.

As far as I can tell everything is in meters which I'm now guessing is wrong :)

h, I and C are in meters I think I must be missing something obvious?

Thanks
 
  • #6
You worked in the SI system, so you're getting B in inverse meters rather than inverse centimeters. That's ok, since you can easily convert from one to the other.
 
  • #7
Ah, I see so just divide by 100?

When working out D do I just leave We in cm-1 in that case?

Thanks!
 
  • #8
Yes and Yes :smile:
 
  • #9
Great! Thanks so much TSny :)

I have a similar problem regarding rotational energy levels that seems to be confusing me: Can somebody please tell me what's meant here by calculating the spacing?- a(i) - http://screencast.com/t/BK8BsW7r

We have these formulas available: http://screencast.com/t/ha9UvNfXHG2

I think we may have to use that population given in the question

Nj/Nd = gj exp( -ej/KT ) ?
 
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Related to How do we use this to solve for the spacing between levels?

1. What are rotational energy levels?

Rotational energy levels refer to the discrete energy states that a rotating molecule can have. These levels are determined by the rotational motion of the molecule around its center of mass.

2. How are rotational energy levels quantized?

Rotational energy levels are quantized because the angular momentum of the molecule can only take on certain values, which correspond to different energy levels. This quantization is a result of the wave-like nature of particles at the atomic level.

3. What is the significance of rotational energy levels?

Rotational energy levels play a crucial role in determining the properties of molecules. They affect the molecule's ability to absorb and emit electromagnetic radiation, as well as its structure and reactivity.

4. How are rotational energy levels calculated?

The energy levels of a rotating molecule can be calculated using the Schrödinger equation, which takes into account the moment of inertia and the angular momentum of the molecule.

5. Can rotational energy levels be observed experimentally?

Yes, rotational energy levels can be observed experimentally through techniques such as infrared spectroscopy, which measures the absorption of specific wavelengths of light by molecules as they transition between energy levels.

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