Classic Harmonic Oscillator (4) Flashcards
What is Hooke’s Law?
each mass will experience a restoring force proportional to displacement from equilibrium
What is the displacement coordinate X?
x2 - x1
What is the force constant k?
Stiffness of the spring
Why can k also be called spring constant?
Because it’s the stiffness of the spring
What is the potential energy function that describes Hooke’s Law?
dE = kydy
potential energy = force times distance
How is k related to shape of PE function?
curvature = potential Energy
What are the units of k?
millidynes A-1 or Nm-1
What is v0
vibrational/natural frequency
What is the quantum mechanical selection rule for harmonic oscillator?
change in frequency = +/-1
What is the energy difference between two states for the harmonic oscilator
change in energy = energy(v-1) - energy(v)
How many absorption bands are there in the spectrum of the harmonic oscillator?
1
What is a fundamental vibrational frequency?
Lowest wave frequency
A transition between what two states gives rise to a fundamental vibrational frequency?
transition from v=0 to v=1
What is the energy spacing between the various energy levels in the harmonic oscillator?
(transition energy maybe?)
