In: Chemistry
Consider a molecule of hydrogen chloride, HCl. In this molecule, the light hydrogen atom orbits the heavy Cl atom, much like an electron orbits a heavy nucleus in an atom. The energy of H in the molecule is quantized. When exposed to electromagnetic field, the molecule HCl absorbs photons that promote the hydrogen atom to higher energy states, corresponding to faster rotation of H about Cl. What do you think is the approximate frequency of these photons?
a) The frequency is in the gamma-ray range.
b) The frequency is in the X-ray range.
c) The frequency is in the ultraviolet range.
d) The frequency is in the microwave range.