degrees of freedom

Question

For diatomic gas at moderate temperature (rotations active, vibrations inactive) f =:

RankGuru · Accepted Answer

The number of degrees of freedom ($f$) is the number of independent ways a molecule can possess energy.
- **Translational**: All gas molecules have 3 translational degrees of freedom ($x, y, z$ directions).
- **Rotational**: A linear diatomic molecule (like $H_2, O_2, N_2$) can rotate about two axes perpendicular to the bond axis. Rotation about the bond axis itself has negligible moment of inertia and doesn't contribute at moderate temperatures.
- Total $f$ = 3 (trans) + 2 (rot) = **5**.
Note: At very high temperatures, 2 vibrational degrees of freedom may also activate.

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degrees of freedom

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