University Physics with Modern Physics (14th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321973615
ISBN 13: 978-0-32197-361-0

Chapter 42 - Molecules and Condensed Matter - Problems - Discussion Questions - Page 1434: Q42.5

Answer

The higher vibrational levels are closer together.

Work Step by Step

The diatomic molecule’s vibrations are modeled as a mass-spring system. At higher vibrational energies, the potential energy curve flattens out, and is no longer approximated well by a quadratic function. The effective spring constant is weaker, and the higher vibrational levels are closer together.
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