Chapter 18, Problem 18.18E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The expected ratio of vibration partition functions for ${\text{H}}_2$ and ${\text{D}}_2$ is to be calculated.

Concept introduction:

A molecule is made up of atoms that are bonded together by covalent bonds. These bonds undergo a to and fro movement to vibrate. This vibration of the molecule contributes to the overall partition function of the system. The vibrational partition function of the diatomic atom at high temperature is represented as,

$q_{\text{vib}}=\frac{T}{{\theta }_{\text{v}}}$

Where,

• ${\theta }_{\text{v}}$ represents the vibrational temperature.

• $\text{T}$ represents the temperature.