Chapter 14, Problem 14.17E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The values of rotational constants $A,B,$ and $C$ for phosphine when the moments of inertia for phosphine, ${\text{PH}}_{\text{3}}$, are $5.478\times {10}^{-47}\text{ kg}\cdot {\text{m}}^2$, $5.478\times {10}^{-47}\text{ kg}\cdot {\text{m}}^2$, and $6.645\times {10}^{-47}\text{ kg}\cdot {\text{m}}^2$ are to be calculated.

Concept introduction:

In a molecule, the rotational energy level corresponds to the different probable ways in which the portion of a molecule rotates around the chemical bond that binds it to the rest of the molecule. Every rotational energy level possesses degeneracy.

The symmetric top refers to a rotor that has the same value for two moments of inertia. For oblate symmetric tops, $I_{\text{a}}=I_{\text{b}}<I_{\text{c}}$.