Ellis and Randy Are Looking at a Molecular Absorption Spectrum $\Delta$

question 45

Multiple Choice

Ellis and Randy are looking at a molecular absorption spectrum.The spectral lines appear to fall into two groups with a gap in the middle.Ellis says that this must be an absorption spectrum for transitions between the v = 0 and v = 1 vibrational states of a diatomic molecule.Randy says the gap in the middle must occur because a $\Delta$ J = 0 transition is forbidden.Which one, if either, is correct, and why?

• A)Ellis, because rotational levels are separated by greater energy differences than vibrational levels.
• B)Randy, because rotational levels are separated by greater energy differences than vibrational levels.
• C)Ellis, because the \(\Delta\)J = 0 transition is the most prominent spectral line in transitions between vibrational levels.
• D)Neither, because rotational levels are separated by greater energies that vibrational levels and \(\Delta\)J = 0 transitions are not forbidden.
• E)Both, because vibrational levels are separated by greater energy differences than rotational levels and \(\Delta\)J = 0 transitions are forbidden.

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