Academic Integrity: tutoring, explanations, and feedback — we don’t complete graded work or submit on a student’s behalf.

The oxygen molecule (O2) contains two oxygen molecules, each with mass 2.7x10^-2

ID: 1895372 • Letter: T

Question

The oxygen molecule (O2) contains two oxygen molecules, each with mass 2.7x10^-27 kg and a bond distance of 1.24x10^-10 m. Calculate the following:
(i) The moment of inertia for rotation about an axis perpendicular to the bond.
(ii) The rotational constant, B, in units cm-1.
(iii) The rotational partition function at 298.15 K and 400 K
(iv) The rotational contribution to the molar entropy at these temperatures.

I'm not very sure on statistical thermodynamics. My lecture notes are not the best so i dont have a clue were to start. any help would be of great help

Explanation / Answer

since both atoms are of equal mass, the centre of mass will be exactly at the midpoint so moment of inertia for each atom = mr^2 => total MI = 2*mr^2 => 2*2.7*10^-27*(0.612*10^-10)^2 => 2.02 * 10^-47 kg-m^2

Hire Me For All Your Tutoring Needs
Integrity-first tutoring: clear explanations, guidance, and feedback.
Drop an Email at
drjack9650@gmail.com
Chat Now And Get Quote