The Oxygen Molecule (O₂)may Be Regarded as Two Masses Connected

question 39

Multiple Choice

The oxygen molecule (O₂) may be regarded as two masses connected by a spring.In vibrational motion,each oxygen atom alternately approaches,then moves away from the center of mass of the system.If each oxygen atom of mass m = 2.67 × 10−²⁶ kg has a vibrational energy of 6.4 × 10−²¹ J and the effective spring constant is 50 N/m,then what is the amplitude of oscillation of each oxygen atom?

• A) 3.2 × 10−¹¹ m
• B) 1.6 × 10−¹¹ m
• C) 1.1 × 10−¹¹ m
• D) 8.0 × 10−¹² m