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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2005  > January  >
Research: Science and Education
Bond Length Dependence on Quantum States as Shown by Spectroscopy
Kieran F. Lim
School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3217, Australia
Cover
January 2005
Vol. 82 No. 1
p. 145
Abstract
Undergraduate students often have the misconception that molecules have fixed, unchanging bond lengths. This article discusses how linear-molecule rotational band spacings in infrared spectroscopy can be used as a qualitative, visual demonstration of the elongation of average bond lengths on vibrational excitation. The method does not depend on a detailed mathematical analysis of the spectra. In UV–vis spectroscopy, the rotational band spacings give rise to distinctive linear-molecule rotational contours, which easily show whether the average bond length has increased or decreased. The method is based on a spreadsheet simulation of the vibration–rotation or rovibronic (electronic–vibration–rotation) spectrum and is applied to hydrogen chloride IR, iodine UV–vis, and nitrogen UV–vis spectra in this article.
Supplement
The spreadsheet, description of the spreadsheet simulation, student notes, and an example of possible usage in an undergraduate laboratory exercise are available.
*  Contents Folder JCE2005p0145W containing: JCE2005p0145W.doc (Microsoft Word),
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*  Citation
 Lim, Kieran F. J. Chem. Educ. 2005 82 145.
*  Keywords
 Computer Assisted Instruction; Demonstrations; Gases; General Chemistry; IR Spectroscopy; Laboratory Instruction; Physical Chemistry; Qualitative Analysis; Spreadsheets; Teaching / Learning Aids; UV-Vis Spectroscopy
*  History
 Created:
Last Updated:		 November 29, 2004
December 8, 2004
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