A diatomic molecule is made of two masses m1 and m2 which are separated by a distance r. If we calculate its rotational energy by applying Bohr's rule of angular momentum quantization, its energy will be given by : (n is an integer)
Rotational energy where I = µr2
Putting we get
To find the rotational energy of a diatomic molecule using Bohr's quantization rule, we need to apply the concept of angular momentum quantization to a rotating system. Let's break this down step by step.
Step 1: Understand the System
A diatomic molecule consists of two masses, and , separated by a fixed distance . For rotation, we consider the system rotating about its center of mass.
Step 2: Locate the Center of Mass
Let the distance of from the center of mass be and of be , with . The center of mass condition gives: . Solving, we get: and .
Step 3: Moment of Inertia
The moment of inertia of the system about the center of mass is the sum of the moments of inertia of the two masses: . Substitute and : . Simplify: . This is the reduced mass system, so , where is the reduced mass.
Step 4: Apply Bohr's Quantization Rule
Bohr's rule states that the angular momentum is quantized: , where is an integer and is Planck's constant.
For a rigid rotor, angular momentum is also given by , where is the angular velocity.
Step 5: Rotational Kinetic Energy
The rotational energy is given by: . Since , we can write . Substitute into the energy equation: . Now, substitute the quantized angular momentum : .
Step 6: Substitute Moment of Inertia
Now, substitute into the energy expression: . This can be written as: .
Final Answer
Comparing with the options, the correct expression is: . Note that the constant in the denominator is equivalent to , but the options are given without the factor, implying that is used here as Planck's constant (h) and not ħ (h-bar). In many such problems, the expression is simplified by considering the quantization condition as (instead of ), which is a common approximation in older Bohr model treatments. If we use , then: . This matches the fourth option.
Related Topics and Formulae
Center of Mass: For two masses, , .
Moment of Inertia: , where is the reduced mass.
Angular Momentum Quantization: (or sometimes in simplified models).
Rotational Energy: .