Interpreting Energy diagrams for polyatomic molecules

In summary: Do rotational/vibrational states get excited when a molecules absorbs external energy that does not match the difference between electronic energy levels?. Those types of energy that molecules absorb relate to that fine structure you see described. Vibrational energy is coupled into the vibrational bands (infrared energy), translational energy into the translational bands (temperature) and rotational energy by the rotational bands ( microwave energy).Thank you chemisttree.
  • #1
fog37
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TL;DR Summary
understand energy levels in energy diagram for compounds
Hello,
I am trying to correctly interpret the energy diagram below.

For example, a diatomic molecule can translate (kinetic energy), rotate (rotational energy), vibrate (vibrational energy). Each different type of energy is quantized and has associated modes (also called states). The rotational, vibrational, translational energy states/levels/modes pertain to the molecule as a whole. On the other hand, electronic energy levels are electrostatic potential energy levels (not kinetic energy) and pertain to the electrons and nuclei.

The vertical axis in the diagram, labelled Energy, therefore indicates energy in general, correct?

1610037115432.png
Based on the next figure below, what does it mean that an electronic energy level is comprised by several vibrational energy levels which are, in turn, comprised by many rotational energy levels? I know that when multiple molecules connect together, energy bands are formed instead of discrete and sharp energy levels. A band is formed by many discrete energy levels slightly separated from each other.

Do rotational/vibrational states get excited when a molecules absorbs external energy that does not match the difference between electronic energy levels?

1610037367708.png
 
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  • #2
At each electronic energy level, the total energy is still a sum of the electronic, rotational, vibrational and translational. Those fine energy levels superimposed on the electronic states reflect those states as well. You may need to adjust your understanding of “where” the energy resides. Electronic energy levels are for the bond within the whole molecule and the vibrational, rotational and translational energies go along for that ride as well within each bond.
fog37 said:
Do rotational/vibrational states get excited when a molecules absorbs external energy that does not match the difference between electronic energy levels?
. Those types of energy that molecules absorb relate to that fine structure you see described. Vibrational energy is coupled into the vibrational bands (infrared energy), translational energy into the translational bands (temperature) and rotational energy by the rotational bands ( microwave energy).
 
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Thank you chemisttree.

What do you mean that "Vibrational energy is coupled into the vibrational bands (infrared energy)..."

Coupled in what sense? I know that if the diatomic molecules absorbs energy equal to the the difference from ground state to first excited electronic energy state (thick blue lines), the molecule will move to that excited electronics state...Will the molecule be automatically excited into vibrational (red/green lines) and rotational states during that transition? I don't believe so.

From the figure below, if the absorbed energy is not equal to jump from blue line to blue line (longer red transition), then the molecule may be excited into vibrational or rotational states...How could it get excited into both types of states if it needs to land on a specific horizontal energy line?

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How could it get excited? By absorbing a photon of the right energy. It is perfectly possible to change rotational, vibrational and electronic states at the same time (though not without limit - there are selection rules). For example, in the diagram in your initial post, there is a red arrow (going downwards, so the molecule will emit a photon and lose energy) from a level in the upper electronic state with vibrational and rotational quantum numbers v' = 1 and J' = 3 to a level in the lower electronic state with v'' = 2 and J'' = 4. (Δv = ± 1 and ΔJ = ±1 are allowed.) Indeed, sometimes an electronic transition (between the ground vibrational states of two electronic states) which is forbidden by symmetry can be allowed if a vibrational mode of appropriate symmetry is simultaneously excited (i.e. between v'' = 0 and v' = 1); then we say that the transition is "vibronically allowed".
 
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  • #5
Wow, that was a quick "like"!
 
  • #6
Had some 1972 lecture notes at hand ... :-p
 
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fog37 said:
Thank you chemisttree.

What do you mean that "Vibrational energy is coupled into the vibrational bands (infrared energy)..."

Coupled in what sense? I know that if the diatomic molecules absorbs energy equal to the the difference from ground state to first excited electronic energy state (thick blue lines), the molecule will move to that excited electronics state...Will the molecule be automatically excited into vibrational (red/green lines) and rotational states during that transition? I don't believe so.
Molecules above absolute zero in temperature already have vibrational energy. The “ground state” is actually a manifold of states. If energy of the appropriate magnitude is absorbed to jump into an excited electronic state (UV or visible energy), the manifold of states ( the fine structure you see around the various electronic states) around the electronically excited molecule can be populated directly. The excited state can itself both absorb and emit vibrational and rotational energy from that state as well.
 

1. What is an energy diagram for a polyatomic molecule?

An energy diagram for a polyatomic molecule is a graph that shows the potential energy of the molecule as a function of its atomic bond lengths. It is used to understand the stability and reactivity of the molecule.

2. How is potential energy represented on an energy diagram for a polyatomic molecule?

Potential energy is typically represented on the y-axis of an energy diagram, with the lowest point on the graph representing the most stable state of the molecule. The x-axis represents the bond length or distance between the atoms in the molecule.

3. What do the peaks and valleys on an energy diagram represent?

The peaks on an energy diagram represent the highest potential energy states of the molecule, while the valleys represent the lowest potential energy states. The peaks correspond to unstable or reactive states, while the valleys correspond to stable states.

4. How can an energy diagram be used to predict the behavior of a polyatomic molecule?

An energy diagram can be used to predict the behavior of a polyatomic molecule by analyzing the stability of the molecule at different bond lengths. The more stable the molecule is at a certain bond length, the more likely it is to exist in that state. Additionally, the energy diagram can show the energy required for the molecule to undergo a chemical reaction.

5. What factors influence the shape of an energy diagram for a polyatomic molecule?

The shape of an energy diagram for a polyatomic molecule is influenced by several factors, including the types of bonds present in the molecule, the strength of those bonds, and the presence of any lone pairs or double bonds. The overall shape of the molecule also plays a role in determining the energy diagram.

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