High-Resolution Vibration-Rotation Spectroscopy of CO2s Understanding the Boltzmann Distribution

摘要

In this experiment, a small segment of the infrared absorption spectrum of carbon dioxide is used to explore concepts such as the Boltzmann distribution, rotational and vibrational energy levels, normal modes of vibration, spectral lineshape, and isotope effects. Students record a high-resolution absorption spectrum of CO2 and use it to determine whether the rotational-vibrational populations follow a Boltzmann distribution. Students then heat the sample cell and observe how the increased temperature changes the relative state populations.