Since the difference in energy between the different rotational states in a molecule is verysmall, many molecular lines can be observed with:
A)visible light spectrometers.
B)radio or microwave telescopes.
C)high energy observatories like Chandra, in orbit above our atmosphere.
D)ultraviolet balloons flying above the ozone layer.
E)infrared telescopes on mountaintops.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The small difference in energy between the different rotational states in a molecule means that the transitions between those states result in low-energy radiation, specifically radio or microwave frequencies. Therefore, radio or microwave telescopes are best suited for observing these transitions. The other choices listed here are not as effective for observing molecular line emission. The small energy differences between rotational states of molecules means that the resulting transitions or emissions occur at low frequencies in the radio or microwave spectral regions. Therefore, radio or microwave telescopes are the best choice for observing these molecular lines.

Since the Difference in Energy Between the Different Rotational States