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spaghetti3451
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Homework Statement
A diatomic molecule can be modeled as two point masses, m1 and m2, slightly separated. If the molecule is oriented along the y-axis, it has kinetic energy K when it spins about the x-axis. What will its kinetic energy (in terms of K) be if it spins at the same angular speed about
(a) the z-axis
(b) the y-axis?
Homework Equations
K = 0.5Iω2
The Attempt at a Solution
(a) I stays the same as the atoms are the same perpendicular distance from the origin. So the kinetic energy = K.
(b) I = 0 as the perpendicular distance between each atom and the rotation axis (the y-axis) is 0. So, kinetic energy = 0.
It would help me if you comment on my solution.