2012/04/14 by S.A. Cooke, S. A. Cooke, Cooke, S. A. +2 · 1 citation
Chemistry · Physics and Astronomy · #Chemical Physics (physics.chem-ph) #Experimental and Theoretical Physics Studies #FOS: Physical sciences #Physics Education (physics.ed-ph) #Various Chemistry Research Topics #physics.chem-ph #physics.ed-ph
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.1204.3226
20 pages, 11 figures
arxiv created 2012/04/14 · openalex publication_date 2012/04/14 · arxiv updated 2012/04/17 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
In this paper we demonstrate how asymmetric molecular rotational spectra may be introduced to students both "pictorially" and with simple formulae. It is shown that the interpretation of such spectra relies heavily upon pattern recognition. The presentation of some common spectral patterns in near-prolate asymmetric rotational spectra provides a means by which spectral assignment, and approximate rotational constant determination, may be usefully explored in the physics and chemistry classrooms. To aid in this endeavor we have created a supporting, free, web page and mobile web page.