Understanding the Energy Differences: Rigid Rotors vs. Harmonic Oscillators

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I am currently taking a modern physics course, and we have a take home quiz. I am not savvy in physics at all, much less quantam mechanics, so any and all help is greatly appreciated. My question is:

Explain what is the difference in terms of energy between the ground states of rigid rotors and of harmonic oscillators?

All i can deduce is that because the quantum number L is equal to zero, then E(0)=0 and the lowest ground state for rotation=0. While the lowest ground state for a simple harmonic oscillator is at v(0) and it never touches E(0).

Oh and by the way this isn't the last question I will probably post, because this is a 20 question take home quiz.

Thanks again
 
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As this is a homework question, you're going to have to post this in the homework forum. Go there and read the FAQ on how to post it.

Also, I hope this isn't your first and final trip here! There's always stuff to learn and good people to talk to here! :biggrin:
 
ok, could you help me then on the homework question forum?
 
texans57 said:
ok, could you help me then on the homework question forum?

I wish I could. But I don't know anything about this question, sorry.

Also, I think I misread your post. I though you said it would be the last question you posted lol. Thats why I said I hope you wouldn't just leave after that 1 post. :-p
 

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