Molecular Hydrogen absorption spectrum

In summary, molecular hydrogen in its fundamental state does not absorb in the frequencies of the Balmer series of atomic hydrogen emission spectrum. The first absorption for both the atom and molecule occurs in the vacuum ultraviolet range, with the atom's first absorption at Lyman alpha (121.5 nm) and the molecule's at even shorter wavelengths (ca. 110 nm). While there are molecular states that correlate with the n=2 levels of the Balmer lines, they can only be seen with external excitation methods such as an electric discharge.
  • #1
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Is it true, as someone says, that molecular hydrogen in its fundamental state don't (almost?) absorb in the frequencis of the Balmer series of atomic hydrogen emission spectrum?
Thanks.

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  • #2
lightarrow said:
Is it true, as someone says, that molecular hydrogen in its fundamental state don't (almost?) absorb in the frequencis of the Balmer series of atomic hydrogen emission spectrum?
Thanks.

--
lightarrow

Molecular hydrogen does not begin to absorb until you get into the vacuum ultraviolet. The hydrogen atom in its ground electronic state (n=1) also does not absorb any light until you get into the vacuum ultraviolet. For the atom, the first absorption is Lyman alpha (121.5 nm). For molecular hydrogen, the first absorption is at even shorter wavelengths (ca. 110 nm).

The Balmer lines of Hydrogen atoms have n=2 as the lower state quantum number. There are hydrogen molecular states that correlate with the n=2 levels, and you do see molecular transitions that have these states as the lower state. You can't see these unless you excite the hydrogen with other means (e.g. an electric discharge).
 
  • #3
Quantum Defect said:
Molecular hydrogen does not begin to absorb until you get into the vacuum ultraviolet. The hydrogen atom in its ground electronic state (n=1) also does not absorb any light until you get into the vacuum ultraviolet. For the atom, the first absorption is Lyman alpha (121.5 nm). For molecular hydrogen, the first absorption is at even shorter wavelengths (ca. 110 nm).

The Balmer lines of Hydrogen atoms have n=2 as the lower state quantum number. There are hydrogen molecular states that correlate with the n=2 levels, and you do see molecular transitions that have these states as the lower state. You can't see these unless you excite the hydrogen with other means (e.g. an electric discharge).
Thank you very much, Quantum defect.

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Related to Molecular Hydrogen absorption spectrum

1. What is the Molecular Hydrogen absorption spectrum?

The Molecular Hydrogen absorption spectrum is a graph that shows the wavelengths of light that are absorbed by hydrogen molecules. This spectrum is unique to hydrogen and is used to identify the presence of hydrogen in various substances.

2. How is the Molecular Hydrogen absorption spectrum measured?

The Molecular Hydrogen absorption spectrum is measured using spectroscopy, which involves passing a beam of light through a sample containing hydrogen molecules. The light that is absorbed by the molecules is then measured and plotted on a graph to create the absorption spectrum.

3. What is the significance of the Molecular Hydrogen absorption spectrum?

The Molecular Hydrogen absorption spectrum is significant because it provides important information about the energy levels and transitions of hydrogen molecules. It is also used in various fields of science, such as astronomy, to detect the presence of hydrogen in different environments.

4. How does the Molecular Hydrogen absorption spectrum differ from other elements?

The Molecular Hydrogen absorption spectrum differs from other elements because the energy levels and transitions of hydrogen molecules are unique. This means that the absorption spectrum for hydrogen will look different from the absorption spectrum of other elements, allowing for easy identification of hydrogen.

5. How is the Molecular Hydrogen absorption spectrum used in research?

The Molecular Hydrogen absorption spectrum is used in research to study the properties and behavior of hydrogen molecules. It is also used to identify hydrogen in different substances and environments, providing valuable information for various fields of study such as chemistry, physics, and astronomy.

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