Ellis and Randy Are Looking at a Molecular Absorption Spectrum

Multiple Choice

Ellis and Randy are looking at a molecular absorption spectrum. The spectral lines appear to fall into two groups with a gap in the middle. Ellis says that this must be an absorption spectrum for transitions between the v = 0 and v = 1 vibrational states of a diatomic molecule. Randy says the gap in the middle must occur because a ΔJ = 0 transition is forbidden. Which one, if either, is correct, and why?

A) Ellis, because rotational levels are separated by greater energy differences than vibrational levels.
B) Randy, because rotational levels are separated by greater energy differences than vibrational levels.
C) Ellis, because the ΔJ = 0 transition is the most prominent spectral line in transitions between vibrational levels.
D) Neither, because rotational levels are separated by greater energies that vibrational levels and ΔJ = 0 transitions are not forbidden.
E) Both, because vibrational levels are separated by greater energy differences than rotational levels and ΔJ = 0 transitions are forbidden.