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Indian Forest Service (Mains)

Chemistry optional

  • 2 papers
  • 200 marks each
  • 3 h per paper

Paper II covers organic chemistry and spectroscopy.

Indian Forest Service (Mains), Chemistry optional · 2024 · Paper II

Q5(b). Zero-point vibrational energy

Question

What is the energy of the lowest vibrational level of a simple harmonic oscillator? Justify the answer.

Answer in brief

E₀ = ½hν = ½ħω, measured above the minimum of the potential.

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The full model answer

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Topic notes: vibrational and electronic spectra (force constant, isotope effect, overtones, Franck–Condon), with every Civil Services, IFoS and Geo-Scientist PYQ →

Coverszero-point energysimple harmonic oscillatorvibrational energy levelsuncertainty principlevibrational spectroscopy

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