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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving for the rotational energy levels in a physics problem, specifically focusing on calculating the spacing between these levels. Participants are examining the equations and values related to rotational constants and energy calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of reduced mass, rotational inertia, and constants B and D. There is a focus on unit conversions and the implications of working in different measurement systems. Questions arise regarding specific calculations and the interpretation of the problem statement related to spacing.

Discussion Status

Some participants are providing calculations and checking each other's work, while others are questioning the assumptions made about units and conversions. There is a collaborative effort to clarify the approach to the problem, but no consensus has been reached on the correct method or values yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the information they can share. There is an ongoing discussion about the correct interpretation of the problem and the formulas provided.

dscot
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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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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?
 
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!
 
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.
 
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
 
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.
 
Ah, I see so just divide by 100?

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

Thanks!
 
Yes and Yes :smile:
 
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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