Equipartition Theorem and Microscopic Motion question

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the typical rotational frequency of a nitrogen molecule (N₂) at room temperature, utilizing the equipartition theorem and concepts of molecular motion. Participants are exploring the implications of molecular mass and degrees of freedom in their calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the formula for angular speed and how to derive rotational frequency, questioning whether to use the mass of the molecule or the mass of individual atoms. There is also consideration of how degrees of freedom might affect the calculations.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants providing insights and clarifications regarding the mass to be used in calculations and the relevance of degrees of freedom. There is no explicit consensus on the correct approach yet, as different interpretations are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information they can use or the assumptions they can make. The original poster is concerned about the accuracy of their calculations given limited attempts remaining.

doggieslover
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What is the typical rotational frequency f_rot for a molecule like {\rm N}_2 at room temperature (25\;^\circ \rm{C})? Assume that d for this molecule is 1\; {\rm \AA} =10^{-10}\; {\rm m}. Take the atomic mass of {\rm N}_2 to be m_{\rm N_2} = 4.65 \times 10^{-26}\; {\rm kg}.
Express f_rot numerically in hertz, to three significant figures.

I know that :

Boltzmann's constant = k_B = 1.38*10^-23 J/K

angular speed about the x-axis is omega = [(k_B*T)/(m*((d^2)/2)]^1/2

Rotational frequency = omega/ 2pi

Then I got 6.69*10^6 as the answer, I was wondering if it is correct, since I only have one more try left.

Or do I need to take the 3 degrees of freedom into consideration, so would the equation for omega then becomes [3(k_B*T)/(m*((d^2)/2)]^1/2, so the final answer for rotational frequency is 2.00*10^8 ?

Please help.
 
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I think you should consider m - mass of N-2 first, then you apply it to the equation of omega to find omega and frequency.

Note: m in the omega formula is mass of only 1 atom while m given is the mass of Nitrogen molecule.

Hope this helps =)
 
But the mass of N_2 is already given in the problem.

m_{\rm N_2} = 4.65 \times 10^{-26}\; {\rm kg}
 
That's what I said above. The m given is mass of N-2 molecule which has 2 atoms. The mass m in the omega formula is mass of 1 single atom, not a molecule, which means you have to divide the given m by 2.
 
Actually then do I still need to take the degrees of freedom into consideration other than the mass situation?
 

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