The rotational energy level of a molecule is $8.5 \times 10 ^ { - 22 } \mathrm {~J}$ when J = 1. The rotational energy of this molecule when J = 0 is
A) zero.
B) $4.3 \times 10 ^ { - 22 } \mathrm {~J}$
C) $8.5 \times 10 ^ { - 22 } \mathrm {~J}$
D) $17 \times 10 ^ { - 22 } \mathrm {~J}$

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The rotational energy levels of a molecule are quantized and given by the formula $E_J = \frac{h^2}{8\pi^2I}J(J+1)$, where $E_J$ is the energy at rotational quantum number $J$, $h$ is Planck's constant, and $I$ is the moment of inertia of the molecule. When $J = 0$, the formula simplifies to $E_0 = 0$, indicating that the rotational energy is zero at the ground state.

The Rotational Energy Level of a Molecule Is 8.5×10−22 J8.5 \times 10 ^ { - 22 } \mathrm {~J}8.5×10−22 J

The Rotational Energy Level of a Molecule Is $8.5 \times 10 ^ { - 22 } \mathrm {~J}$