The energy of a system of particles is related to the degrees of freedom of the

Question

The energy of a system of particles is related to the degrees of freedom of the particles in the system. Degrees of freedom are ranges of motion that a particle can transfer energy into. For a diatomic particle has 5 degrees of freedom at low temperatures and at higher temperatures 7 degrees. 3 are the spacial dimension and two are the axis of rotation and at higher temperature vibrational degrees of freedom are accessed as the particle bonds act like springs. Looking back at the chapters on rotational energy why are monoatomic particles only capable of storing energy in 3 degrees of freedom and not 5.

Explanation / Answer

Because when monatomic molecule rotates about its own axis there is no increase in number of collisions. Hence no effect of rotation.

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