Can resonance be used to split a molecule of CO2?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the possibility of using resonance to split a molecule of CO2 into its constituent atoms, carbon and oxygen. Participants explore various aspects of molecular dissociation, including the types of resonance that could be applied, the role of sound and light in this process, and the theoretical underpinnings of molecular vibrations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the specific type of resonance being considered for the dissociation of CO2.
  • There is a suggestion that sound at high frequencies could potentially be used to break molecular bonds, though others challenge this idea.
  • Some argue that sound cannot effectively break a molecule like CO2, emphasizing that molecular vibrations operate at optical frequencies, which are much higher than those of sound.
  • Participants discuss the need for time-varying frequencies rather than a single frequency to achieve molecular excitation.
  • One participant points out that the wavelength of sound is much larger than the size of a molecule, complicating the use of sound for this purpose.
  • There is mention of using laser light to break molecular bonds, with references to existing literature and experiments that demonstrate this capability.
  • Questions arise about how to calculate the resonant frequency of specific bonds, such as C-O, and the feasibility of DIY methods for generating the necessary light frequencies.
  • Some participants provide resources for finding infrared spectra and discuss the complexity of calculating laser frequencies based on semiconductor properties.
  • A comparison is made to the HCl canon experiment, highlighting the distinction between electronic and vibrational excitation in bond dissociation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion contains multiple competing views regarding the feasibility of using resonance, particularly sound versus light, to split CO2. There is no consensus on the effectiveness of sound for this purpose, and participants express differing opinions on the theoretical and practical aspects of molecular dissociation.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that molecular vibrations are highly non-linear and that the frequencies involved in molecular dissociation are typically in the terahertz range, which presents challenges for using sound waves. Additionally, the discussion highlights the complexity of laser diode design and the factors influencing output frequency.

  • #31
TeethWhitener said:
http://sdbs.db.aist.go.jp/sdbs/cgi-bin/cre_index.cgi

SDBS is usually the first place I check for NMR spectra. Sometimes the Aldrich database is useful too, but I find it less simple to use
Much appreciated, thank you.
 
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  • #32
DrClaude said:
Even if you could do that in theory, molecular vibrations are highly non-linear, so there isn't a single frequency you could excite at. And the link you gave talks about using laser light, which is not the same thing! Even then, simply vibrationally exciting a molecule at a single frequency won't work, but time-varying frequencies are needed.

At the molecular level, a sound wave simply corresponds to collisions between molecules. Regular chemistry applies.
Could you us the Kuramoto model to synchronise the atoms first before applying a dissonant frequency?
 
  • #33
DrClaude said:
Even if you could do that in theory, molecular vibrations are highly non-linear, so there isn't a single frequency you could excite at. And the link you gave talks about using laser light, which is not the same thing! Even then, simply vibrationally exciting a molecule at a single frequency won't work, but time-varying frequencies are needed.

At the molecular level, a sound wave simply corresponds to collisions between molecules. Regular chemistry applies.
Could you us the Kuramoto model to synchronise the atoms first before applying a dissonant frequency?
DrClaude said:
Even if you could do that in theory, molecular vibrations are highly non-linear, so there isn't a single frequency you could excite at. And the link you gave talks about using laser light, which is not the same thing! Even then, simply vibrationally exciting a molecule at a single frequency won't work, but time-varying frequencies are needed.

At the molecular level, a sound wave simply corresponds to collisions between molecules. Regular chemistry applies.
Could you apply the Kuramoto model to synchronise the atoms before applying a dissonant frequency?
 
  • #34
Thread closed temporarily for Moderation after necropost...
 
  • #35
Thread will remain closed.

@Biskityas -- If you want to discuss this, please start a new thread and post links to the technical reading you've been doing about this. Thank you.
 

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