Are degrees of freedom in a molecule affected by phase change?

In summary, a molecule of water has 6 degrees of freedom, 3 translational and 3 due to potential energy, regardless of its phase (solid, liquid, gas). This means that even in bulk ice, the molecule still has these modes of movement.
  • #1
Geronimo85
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For a molecule of water, I understand that there are 6 degrees of freedom for each of the three atoms within it; 3 translational and 3 due to the potential energy of the bonds. Is this at all affected when the water goes from solid to liquid or gas?
 
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  • #2
Geronimo85 said:
For a molecule of water, I understand that there are 6 degrees of freedom for each of the three atoms within it; 3 translational and 3 due to the potential energy of the bonds. Is this at all affected when the water goes from solid to liquid or gas?

Do you think that when something that can move freely in 3D is suddenly confined to a fixed location would have the same degree of freedom?

Zz.
 
  • #3
Geronimo85 said:
For a molecule of water, I understand that there are 6 degrees of freedom for each of the three atoms within it; 3 translational and 3 due to the potential energy of the bonds. Is this at all affected when the water goes from solid to liquid or gas?

Nope, the number of degrees of freedom is exactly identical. 3 (xyz) per atom, giving 9 per molecule. The other way of looking at it is 3 rot + 3 Trans +1 bend +2 stretch =9 degrees of freedom per molecule.

Even in bulk ice you get those modes.
 

1. What are degrees of freedom in a molecule?

Degrees of freedom in a molecule refer to the different ways in which a molecule can vibrate or move. This includes rotational, translational, and vibrational motions.

2. How does phase change affect degrees of freedom in a molecule?

Phase change, such as going from a liquid to a gas, can affect the degrees of freedom in a molecule. This is because the intermolecular forces change, allowing for more or less movement of the molecules.

3. Are the degrees of freedom in a molecule the same in all phases?

No, the degrees of freedom in a molecule can vary depending on the phase. For example, a solid molecule has less degrees of freedom compared to a liquid or gas molecule.

4. Can the degrees of freedom in a molecule be calculated?

Yes, the degrees of freedom in a molecule can be calculated using the equipartition theorem, which takes into account the different types of motions and their corresponding energies.

5. How do degrees of freedom in a molecule affect its properties?

Degrees of freedom play a crucial role in determining the physical and chemical properties of a molecule. For example, molecules with more degrees of freedom tend to have higher melting and boiling points, and may exhibit different behaviors in different phases.

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