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/sci/ - Science & Math

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5539007 No.5539007 [Reply] [Original]

I'm trying to model a diatomic molecule using a restoring linear force. For simplicity I have decided to only consider the homonuclear case (non polar covalent bond). I need to justify why it's logical to model the atoms as point masses connected by a massless spring. Any help? I'm a mathematician, not a physicist or chemist.

>> No.5539021

there is energy stored in the bonds between 2 atoms, breaking the bond releases like 100kj energy or something. so pretend bond is a squished spring with potential energy u=1/2kx^2

>> No.5539041
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5539041

>> No.5539054

It's logical to model the spring as massless because the bond between the atoms is not a thing with mass as such, it is a force field holding the atoms in this energy state.

>> No.5539060

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infrared_spectroscopy#Theory

>> No.5539210

>>5539021
>>5539054
>>5539060
Very helpful, thank you so much.