Deapartment Of Physics - MNIT Jaipur

End Term - Examination Time:2 Hr.

Atomic & Molecular Spectroscopy (PHT - 632) Marks -25
Tuesday 26th March, 2019 M.Sc.-III
Answer All Questions
1] A sample of a diatomic molecule with rotational constant B, is in ther- modynamic equilibrium at
temperature T. Show that the ratio of the number of molecules in rotational level J to the number in rotational
level zero is a maximum for the level with [4]
 21
kB T 1

Jmax = −
2B 2

2] Ionised helium has a hydrogenic spectra save the difference in atomic number. This had led to
mis-identification of ionised helium as some other form of hydrogen, available only to stars; at the dawn
of atomic spectroscopy. 1 However, for ionised helium the lines starting from n = 1, 2 are known as
Lyman series, and Fowler (n = 3) and Pickering (n = 4) serieses come thereafter. Here is the spectra
of a Star Zeta Puppis, taken by extreme ultraviolet explorer probe during 1995. Identify the first four
HEII lines at wavelengths @ 234 Å, 237 Å, 243 Å & 256 Å

Figure 1: Spectra of ζ − Puppis

[6]
4] A O9 type supergiant star has an ionised helium absorption line near (≤) 4550 Å and an ionised
helium emission line near (≤) 4700 Å. Calculate the levels of excitation and subsequent de-excitation
levels. [4]
P. T. O.

1 Historically helium was detected through astrophysical means first, before it could be synthesised or extracted in

laboratory. In 1896, PICKERING observed a visible emission line in the spectra of a star Zeta-Puppis @ 4551Å. Other
lines, like 5411 Å, were also found. RYDBERG postulated that these lines could be explained through BALMER Series
if the second number n0 is made to partake half integer values. In 1912 FOWLER managed to produce similar lines in
gas filled tube of hydrogen helium mixture & concurred with RYDBERG’s conclusion that in stars hydrogen behaves
differently. BOHR, however, cleared up all the confusion around terrestrial and astrophysical hydrogen and identified
the Pickering series arising out of the spectra of singly ionised helium in 1913. FOWLER, EVANS, PASCHEN have lend
accurate records for the advancement of first hydrogenic spectra.

1
 3] Please find the rotational levels between which hopping is being done by carbon monoxide molecules,
and the corresponding reduced energy, such that a spectrum of wavelengths is observed. 2 ; 3

0
λ µm ∆εrot cm−1 J →J”
186
174
162
153
145 [11×1]
138
131
123
118
113
108

Figure 2: PN NGC 7027 (ISO)

2 You may assume pure rigid rotation upto J=30

3 Theselines have actually been seen in the planetary nebula NGC 7027and has been recorded by space
probe ISO. Given above.