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Question: Answered & Verified by Expert
Assertion : Vibrational energy of diatomic molecule corresponding to each degree of freedom is $k_B T$.Reason : For every molecule, vibrational degree of freedom is 2 .
PhysicsKinetic Theory of GasesAIIMSAIIMS 2012
Options:
  • A If both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
  • B If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
  • C If assertion is true but reason is false.
  • D If both assertion and reason are false.
Solution:
1868 Upvotes Verified Answer
The correct answer is: If assertion is true but reason is false.
According to law of equipartition of energy, in thermal equilibrium, at temperature $T$, each degree of freedom of translational, rotational and vibrational motion contributes an average energy equal to $\frac{1}{2} k_B T$. The vibrational motion has two types of energy associated with the vibrations along the length of the molecule-kinetic energy and potential energy. Thus, it contributes two degrees of freedom. Thus vibrational energy $=2 \times \frac{1}{2} k_B T=k_B T$

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