No vibration spectrum for homonuclear diatomic molecules?

This is why homonuclear diatomic molecules do not show electric-dipole vibrational transitions. In summary, the dipole moment in a homonuclear diatomic molecule is zero due to its symmetry, resulting in no electric-dipole vibrational transitions.
  • #1
bahamagreen
1,014
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Supposed to be because they have a zero dipole moment...

Dipole moment is variously described using neutral systems of pairs of opposite charge, or single items with charge, but I am finding no explanations of same charge pairs I understand..

Wiki states: "To show a vibrational spectrum, a diatomic molecule must have a dipole moment that varies with extension. So, homonuclear diatomic molecules do not undergo electric-dipole vibrational transitions. So, a homonuclear diatomic molecule doesn't show purely vibrational spectra."

How does the dipole moment not vary with extension?
 
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  • #2
In a homonuclear diatomic molecule there is no dipole moment because of the additional symmetry. Therefore, the dipole moment is zero regardless of extension and thus independent of the extension.
 

Related to No vibration spectrum for homonuclear diatomic molecules?

1. What is a homonuclear diatomic molecule?

A homonuclear diatomic molecule is a molecule that consists of two atoms of the same element, bonded together. Examples include oxygen gas (O2), nitrogen gas (N2), and chlorine gas (Cl2).

2. Why is there no vibration spectrum for homonuclear diatomic molecules?

Homonuclear diatomic molecules do not have a vibration spectrum because they do not have a dipole moment. This means that the nuclei and electrons within the molecule are symmetrically arranged, and there is no separation of charge that would allow for vibration.

3. How does the lack of a vibration spectrum affect the properties of homonuclear diatomic molecules?

Since homonuclear diatomic molecules do not have a vibration spectrum, they do not have any vibrational energy levels. This means that they cannot absorb or emit infrared radiation, and therefore have no infrared spectra. Additionally, without vibrational energy levels, homonuclear diatomic molecules have a lower heat capacity compared to other molecules.

4. Can homonuclear diatomic molecules still rotate?

Yes, homonuclear diatomic molecules can still rotate. They have rotational energy levels, but no vibrational energy levels. This means that they can absorb or emit microwave radiation, and have a microwave spectrum.

5. Are there any exceptions to the lack of a vibration spectrum in homonuclear diatomic molecules?

Yes, there are a few exceptions to the lack of a vibration spectrum in homonuclear diatomic molecules. One exception is when the two atoms are not the same size, such as in the case of H2O. Another exception is when the molecule is ionized, which can introduce a dipole moment and allow for vibration. However, these exceptions are rare and do not apply to most homonuclear diatomic molecules.

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