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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the typical rotational frequency (f_rot) for nitrogen molecules (N_2) at room temperature (25°C) using the root mean square angular speed formula. The participants utilize the equation f_rot = sqrt(2k_B(T)/(m(d^2))) where k_B is the Boltzmann constant (1.38 x 10^-23 J/K), and d is the molecular diameter (1 angstrom = 10^-10 m). Despite calculating a velocity of 4.2057 x 10^12 m/s, the derived frequency of 6.69 x 10^11 Hz is questioned, indicating a misunderstanding in the conversion from velocity to frequency.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Boltzmann constant and its application in statistical mechanics.
  • Familiarity with the concept of moment of inertia in rotational dynamics.
  • Knowledge of angular velocity and its relationship to frequency (f = ω / 2π).
  • Basic principles of molecular motion and kinetic energy distribution.
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the derivation of the root mean square angular speed formula for gas molecules.
  • Study the relationship between translational and rotational motion in diatomic molecules.
  • Explore the concept of moment of inertia for different molecular shapes and configurations.
  • Investigate the implications of temperature on molecular motion and energy distribution.
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Students and researchers in physical chemistry, molecular physics, and anyone interested in the dynamics of gas molecules and their rotational properties.

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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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