Question

A harmonic oscillator, in which a given state can
have energy 0, , 2, . . . (i.e. with no upper limit).
(4.8) Estimate kBT at room temperature, and convert
this energy into electronvolts (eV). Using this re-
sult, answer the following:
(a) Would you expect hydrogen atoms to be ionized
at room temperature? (The binding energy of an
electron in a hydrogen atom is 13.6 eV.)
(b) Would you expect the rotational energy levels
of diatomic molecules to be excited at room tem-
perature? (It costs about 10−4 eV to promote such
a system to an excited rotational energy level.)

Answer 1

Answer:

Estimate kBT at room temperature, and convert

this energy into electronvolts (eV). Using this re-

sult, answer the following:

(a) Would you expect hydrogen atoms to be ionized

at room temperature? (The binding energy of an

electron in a hydrogen atom is 13.6 eV.)

(b) Would you expect the rotational energy levels

of diatomic molecules to be excited at room tem-

perature? (It costs about 10−4 eV to promote