How do I measure the binding energy of a molecule?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the measurement of the binding energy of molecules, specifically focusing on the HeO molecule and its van der Waals forces. Participants explore various methods of determining binding energy, including experimental and theoretical approaches.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions a paper that describes using a magnetic field to break the van der Waals forces of an HeO molecule, prompting a request for clarification on how the binding energy was measured.
  • Another participant suggests that the binding energy can be found in literature and implies that it is the work needed to separate the molecule, noting that there are various experimental methods to determine it.
  • A different participant expresses curiosity about how to apply a specific equation for binding energy to other gas molecules, indicating a desire to understand the measurement process better.
  • One participant distinguishes between measuring binding energy and calculating it, implying that the two processes may involve different methodologies.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the specific methods for measuring binding energy, and multiple viewpoints regarding the distinction between measurement and calculation are presented.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not clarify the specific experimental methods used for measuring binding energy in the case of HeO, nor does it resolve the uncertainties surrounding the application of the proposed equation to other molecules.

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The authors probably looked it up in a big book (or online).
The binding energy is the work needed to separate the molecule... there are lots of ways of figuring that out experimentally.
I don't know the specific methods used for HeO... look at how the molecule is formed. But it looks like the dissociation energy should be straight forward to get.
What is the concern here?
 
Thank you for the response! I was wondering what this equation would like for other gas molecules (Eg. hydrogen):

EBindng=ΔE≈3BμB/2(MMax−MMin)

I didn't understand how to measure the binding energy for an equation like this, but I may have found a solution in this video describing how to calculate the wavelength of light required to break a chemical bond:



Please let me know if I'm on the right track!
 
There is a difference between measuring something and calculating it.
 

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