1. Apr 12, 2012 #1

   LocalStudent

   

   Would I use the equation E = 1/2 h√(k_s/m) to work out what the smallest amount of vibrational energy that I can add to a system?

    

   LocalStudent, Apr 12, 2012
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3. Apr 13, 2012 #2

   Andrew Mason

   

   Science Advisor

   Homework Helper

   If you are referring to a quantum harmonic oscillator, such as the vibration of a diatomic molecule, the energy levels are:
   
   [tex]E_n = \hbar\omega(n+\frac{1}{2})[/tex]
   
   where [itex]\omega = \sqrt{k/\mu}[/itex], μ being the reduced mass of the system and k being the spring constant.
   
   So the smallest amount of energy it can have is the zero energy level: [itex]E_0 = \hbar\omega/2[/itex]. The smallest amount of energy that can be added would be [itex]\hbar\omega[/itex].
   
   AM

    

   Andrew Mason, Apr 13, 2012
4. Apr 14, 2012 #3

   LocalStudent

   

   Thanks Andrew :)

    

   LocalStudent, Apr 14, 2012

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