Print ViewEquipartition Theorem and Microscopic Motion

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the typical rotational frequency of nitrogen molecules at room temperature, utilizing the equipartition theorem and concepts of microscopic motion. Participants are exploring the relationship between translational and rotational motion in gas particles.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of the root mean square angular speed and its relation to moment of inertia. There are inquiries about how to relate translational speed to rotational velocity and the distribution of energy between rotational and translational motions.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing equations and expressing confusion regarding the calculations of frequency and velocity. Some have provided equations relating angular velocity to frequency, while others are questioning the accuracy of their results.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of potential misunderstandings in the calculations, particularly regarding the conversion between angular velocity and frequency. Participants are also considering the assumptions made about the distribution of energy in molecular motion.

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What is the typical rotational frequency f_rot for a molecule like N_2 (nitrogen) at room temperature (25 C)? Assume that d for this molecule is 1 angstrom = 10^{-10} m. Take the atomic mass of N_2 to be 4.65 * 10^{-26} kg.
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I know that the rms angular speed which is the root mean square (rms) of the x component of velocity of the gas particles is = sqrt(2k_B(T)/(m(d^2))) where k_B is the Boltzmann constant 1.38*10^-23 J/K.
 
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typical rotational frequency
Think about moment of inertia. How much of the energy is distributed in rotational motion versus translational motion?

Or assuming the rotational motion comes from collisions based on a translational speed, how does one transform the typical translational speed into a rotational velocity?
 
what do i do with the rotational speed that i calculated to get rotational frequency??'

molecule has moment of inertia I about the axis and is rotating with angular velocity omega about that axis with associated rotational kinetic energy (1/2) I omega_x^2
 
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all righty. i found this equation relating frequency and veolcity --> angular velocity=2(pi)f
but i DONT UNDERSTAND why I'm not getting the right answer. i get velocity to be 4.2057*10^12 m/s and i SHOULD be able to get frequency by dividing it by 2pi, but f=6.69*10^11 is not right!

whats wrOong?!
 

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