−46

42.40: a)  I co = 1.449 ×10 kg ⋅ m .

2

 2l (l +1) 1.054 ×10 −34 J ⋅ s) 2 (1) (1 +1)

El =1 = = = 7.67 ×10 −23 J.
2I 2(1.449 ×10 −46 kg ⋅ m 2 )
E l =0 = 0.
∆E = 7.67 ×10 −23 J = 4.79 ×10 −4 eV .
hc (6.63 ×10 −34 J ⋅ s) (3.00 ×10 8 m s)
λ= = = 2.59 ×10 −3 m = 2.59 mm.
∆E (7.67 ×10 −23 J )
b) Let’s compare the value of kT when T=20 K to that of ∆E for the l = 1 → l = 0
rotational transition:

kT = (1.38 ×10 −23 J K) (20 K) = 2.76 ×10 −22 J.

kT
∆E = 7.67 ×10 −23 J (from part (a)). So = 3.60 .
∆E

Therefore, although T is quite small, there is still plenty of energy to excite CO molecules
into the first rotational level. This allows astronomers to detect the 2.59 mm wavelength
radiation from such molecular clouds.