Question

What is the correct ordering for typical gaps between adjacent energy levels?

A) (delta) E electronic > (delta) E rotational > (delta) E vibrational

B) (delta) E rotational > (delta) E electronic > (delta) E vibrational

C) (delta) E electronic > (delta) E vibrational > (delta) E rotational

D) (delta) E vibrational > (delta) E electronic > (delta) E rotational

please pick 1 answer choice with an explanation, thanks

Answer 1

Option C is the correct answer

(delta) E electronic > (delta) E vibrational > (delta) E rotational

In electromagnetic radiation spectrum

rotational energy = microwave region

Frequency Range = 3x10^10 - 3x10^12 Hz

energy range = 10 - 100 J/mol

vibrational energies = infrared region

Frequency Range = 3x10^12 - 3x10^14 Hz

energy range = 10000 J/mol

Atoms are bound by chemical bonds in a molecule and do not rotate or vibrate.

Energy require to break the bonds is greater than vibrational and rotational energy