Question

The 1-D harmonic oscillator is a good approximation for the vibration of the bond between the atoms of a diatomic molecule. Using this treatment, predict the wavenumber in cm-1 required to vibrationally excite the HCl molecule, given that the force constant for the H-Cl bond is taken to be 600 Newtons/meter. In Equation 12.19, replace mass m with the appropriate reduced mass we discussed in class. Think about whether your answer is in the infrared or not. Hint: wavenumber in cm-1 is frequency over speed of light in cm/s.

Answer 1

12