Spectroscopic Simulator

Abstract:

This applet covers an aspect of the Physical Chemistry II course that students often find confusing. Although it is based on relatively simple mathematics, a complete understanding of the phenomenon requires assimilating the following concepts: The energy levels of a diatomic molecule are given by the formula: E(v,J) = hv (v + ½) + BJ (J + 1); v = 0..infinity, J=0..infinity. A molecule absorbs light at frequencies that correspond to difference between energy levels. In this case, we are interested in the following differences, frequency of light: E (v = 1, J') - E (v = 0, J); with J' = J + 1 or J -1. The intensity of the transition is proportional to the population of the lower state, intensity is proportional to: J (J + 1) exp[-E (v = 0, J) / kT].

Subject:

Science and Technology

Grade Level:

Post-secondary

Collection:

The ChemCollective