Rotational spectrum - equidistance

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    Rotational Spectrum
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the equidistance of rotational spectra in molecular systems, specifically examining the differences between rotational terms and the implications of the rigid rotor approximation. Participants explore the conditions under which the approximation holds and the discrepancies observed in actual spectra.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents an equation for the difference between rotational terms, suggesting that it indicates an equidistant rotational spectrum.
  • Another participant notes that the equation is valid under the rigid rotor approximation, which may not apply to real systems at higher rotational states.
  • A participant questions the failure of the approximation at higher rotational states, attributing it to the effects of centrifugal force leading to changes in the rotational constant B.
  • Another participant provides calculations for specific values of J, indicating that the resulting rotational terms do not appear equidistant, raising concerns about contradictions with earlier claims.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the validity of the rigid rotor approximation at higher rotational states, with some suggesting it fails due to centrifugal effects while others highlight discrepancies in calculated rotational terms.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the applicability of the rigid rotor model and the specific conditions under which the observed spectra deviate from theoretical predictions.

Petar Mali
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Difference between two rotational terms is given by

[tex]\tilde{\nu}=(J+1)(J+2)B-J(J+1)B=2B(J+1)[/tex]

If we put values of [tex]J[/tex] in this expression we get that otational spectrum is equidistant.

[tex]T_r[/tex] - rotational term
[tex]J[/tex] - rotational quantum number

But from this picture spectrum isn't equidistant.

http://www.mwit.ac.th/~physicslab/hbase/molecule/imgmol/rotlev.gif

Can you tell me where is the problem? Thanks!
 
Last edited:
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I can't view the picture. But the equation you cite is valid for the rigid rotor approximation. Real systems tend not to act like that except for low rotation numbers.
 
alxm said:
I can't view the picture. But the equation you cite is valid for the rigid rotor approximation. Real systems tend not to act like that except for low rotation numbers.

I put the other picture
http://www.mwit.ac.th/~physicslab/hb...mol/rotlev.gif

Look at this picture. You have rotation and vibration levels. Yes I assume that two moleculs system - rigid rotor approximation.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Right well what's the question? Why the approximation fails at higher rotational states?

Simply "centrifugal force" - the interatomic distance increases at higher rotation speeds/states, you get a different B.
 
The centrifugal force is not the case in this picture

[tex]E_r=J(J+1)\frac{\hbar^2}{2I}[/tex]

[tex]T_r=\frac{E_r}{hc}[/tex]

For [tex]J=0[/tex] [tex]T_r=0[/tex]

For [tex]J=1[/tex] [tex]T_r=2B[/tex]

For [tex]J=2[/tex] [tex]T_r=6B[/tex]

For [tex]J=3[/tex] [tex]T_r=12B[/tex]

...

It isn't equidistant if I calculate like this. And in picture which you see is this terms. It looks like contradiction if you look this post and my first post!
 

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