Molecular rotation: A diatomic molecule has 18 × 10^-5 eV of rotational energy in the l = 2 quantum state. What is its rotational energy in the l = 0 quantum state? A) 90 µeV B) 60 µeV C) 30 µeV D) 15 µeV E) 0 eV

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The rotational energy levels of a diatomic molecule are quantized and given by the formula $E_l = \frac{h^2}{8\pi^2I}l(l+1)$, where $E_l$ is the energy of the level with quantum number $l$, $h$ is Planck's constant, and $I$ is the moment of inertia of the molecule. For $l = 0$, the formula gives $E_0 = 0$ because $l(l+1) = 0$, indicating that there is no rotational energy in the $l = 0$ quantum state.

Molecular Rotation: a Diatomic Molecule Has 18 × 10-5 EV

Molecular Rotation: a Diatomic Molecule Has 18 × 10^-5 EV