StreakPeaked· Practice

ExamsJEE MainPhysics

Given below are two statements: Statement I: In a diatomic molecule, the rotational energy at a given temperature obeys Maxwell's distribution. Statement II: In a diatomic molecule, the rotational energy at a given temperature equals the translational kinetic energy for each molecule. In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

  1. Statement I is false but Statement II is true.
  2. Both Statement I and Statement II are false.
  3. Both Statement I and Statement II are true.
  4. Statement I is true but Statement II is false.

Correct answer: Both Statement I and Statement II are false.

Solution

Rotational energy follows a Boltzmann (not Maxwell) distribution; Maxwell's distribution describes molecular speeds, so Statement I is false. Rotational energy does not equal translational KE per molecule (translational uses 3 degrees of freedom = (3/2)kT, rotational of a diatomic uses 2 = kT, equal only on average per degree of freedom), so Statement II is false.

Related JEE Main Physics questions

⚔️ Practice JEE Main Physics free + battle 1v1 →