Skip to main content
Ch 42: Molecules and Condensed Matter
Young & Freedman Calc - University Physics 14th Edition
Young & Freedman Calc14th EditionUniversity PhysicsISBN: 9780321973610Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 42, Problem 9c

The rotational energy levels of CO are calculated in Example 42.242.2. If the energy of the rotating molecule is described by the classical expression K=(12)Iω2K=(\(\frac\)12)I\(\omega\)^2, for the l=1 l = 1 level, what is the rotational period (the time for one rotation)?

Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the relationship between rotational energy and angular velocity. The classical expression for rotational kinetic energy is given as: K = 122, where K is the rotational kinetic energy, I is the moment of inertia, and ω is the angular velocity.
Step 2: Use the quantum mechanical energy levels for rotation. For the rotational level l = 1, the energy is given by E = h8π2l2, where h is Planck's constant, l is the quantum number, and I is the moment of inertia.
Step 3: Equate the classical rotational energy expression to the quantum mechanical energy for l = 1. This allows you to solve for the angular velocity ω.
Step 4: Once you have the angular velocity ω, calculate the rotational period using the relationship T = 2πω, where T is the rotational period.
Step 5: Substitute the values for the moment of inertia I, Planck's constant h, and other constants into the equations to compute the rotational period. Ensure all units are consistent during substitution.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Rotational Kinetic Energy

Rotational kinetic energy is the energy possessed by an object due to its rotation. It is given by the formula K = (1/2)Iω², where K is the rotational kinetic energy, I is the moment of inertia, and ω is the angular velocity. This concept is crucial for understanding how energy is distributed in rotating systems, such as molecules.
Recommended video:
Guided course
06:07
Intro to Rotational Kinetic Energy

Moment of Inertia

The moment of inertia (I) is a measure of an object's resistance to changes in its rotation about an axis. It depends on the mass distribution relative to the axis of rotation. For a diatomic molecule like CO, the moment of inertia can be calculated based on the masses of the atoms and the distance between them, influencing the rotational energy levels.
Recommended video:
Guided course
11:47
Intro to Moment of Inertia

Angular Velocity

Angular velocity (ω) is a vector quantity that represents the rate of rotation of an object around an axis. It is measured in radians per second and is essential for calculating rotational kinetic energy. In the context of molecular rotation, angular velocity helps determine how quickly a molecule rotates, which is directly related to its energy levels and rotational period.
Recommended video:
Guided course
06:18
Intro to Angular Momentum
Related Practice
Textbook Question

The rotational energy levels of CO are calculated in Example 42.242.2. If the energy of the rotating molecule is described by the classical expression K=(12)Iω2K=(\(\frac\)12)I\(\omega\)^2, for the l=1 l = 1 level, what is the angular speed of the rotating molecule?

2
views
Textbook Question

The rotational energy levels of CO are calculated in Example 42.242.2. If the energy of the rotating molecule is described by the classical expression K=(12)Iω2K=(\(\frac\)12)I\(\omega\)^2, for the l=1 l = 1 level, what is the linear speed of each atom?

4
views
Textbook Question

The average kinetic energy of an ideal-gas atom or molecule is (32)kT\(\left\)(\(\frac\)32\(\right\))kT, where TT is the Kelvin temperature (Chapter 1818). The rotational inertia of the H2 molecule is 4.6×10484.6\(\times\)10^{-48} kg-m2. What is the value of TT for which (32)kT\(\left\)(\(\frac\)32\(\right\))kT equals the energy separation between the l=0l = 0 and l=1l = 1 energy levels of H2? What does this tell you about the number of H2 molecules in the l=1l = 1 level at room temperature?

2
views
Textbook Question

Two atoms of cesium (Cs) can form a Cs2Cs_2 molecule. The equilibrium distance between the nuclei in a Cs2Cs_2 molecule is 0.447 0.447 nm. Calculate the moment of inertia about an axis through the center of mass of the two nuclei and perpendicular to the line joining them. The mass of a cesium atom is 2.21×10252.21\(\times\)10^{-25} kg.

1
views
Textbook Question

The maximum wavelength of light that a certain silicon photocell can detect is 1.111.11 mm. What is the energy gap (in electron volts) between the valence and conduction bands for this photocell?

2
views
Textbook Question

Potassium bromide (KBr) has a density of 2.75×1032.75\(\times\)10^3 kg/m3 and the same crystal structure as NaCl. The mass of a potassium atom is 6.49×10266.49\(\times\)10^{-26} kg, and the mass of a bromine atom is 1.33×10251.33\(\times\)10^{-25} kg. Calculate the average spacing between adjacent atoms in a KBr crystal.

3
views