Chapter 42: Problem 50
To determine the equilibrium separation of the atoms in the HCl molecule, you measure the rotational spectrum of HCl. You find that the spectrum contains these wavelengths (among others): \(60.4 \mu m\), \(69.0 \mu m\), \(80.4 \mu m\), \(96.4 \mu m\), and \(120.4 \mu m\). (a) Use your measured wavelengths to find the moment of inertia of the HCl molecule about an axis through the center of mass and perpendicular to the line joining the two nuclei. (b) The value of \(l\) changes by \(\pm 1\) in rotational transitions. What value of \(l\) for the upper level of the transition gives rise to each of these wavelengths? (c) Use your result of part (a) to calculate the equilibrium separation of the atoms in the HCl molecule. The mass of a chlorine atom is \(5.81 \times 10^{-26}\) kg, and the mass of a hydrogen atom is \(1.67 \times 10^{-27}\) kg. (d) What is the longest-wavelength line in the rotational spectrum of HCl?
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.