Question

A system consists of N particles, interacting with each other (for example, protein molecules). Which one of the following statements is FALSE?

• A. The motion of the system can be split into translational, rotational, and vibrational motions
• B. Number of rotational degrees of freedom are 3
• C. Number of translational degrees of freedom are 3
• D. Number of vibrational degrees of freedom are 3
• E. The system, if isolated, will conserve both total energy and total angular momentum.

Hint:

When analyzing the degrees of freedom for a system of particles, consider the physical state and type of particles involved (e.g., atoms, molecules).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

For a system of \( N \) particles, the number of translational degrees of freedom is 3, which corresponds to the three spatial dimensions. However, the statement that "Number of translational degrees of freedom are 3" is true in all cases, but the other statements such as the rotational and vibrational degrees of freedom vary for different types of particles. The number of vibrational degrees of freedom, for example, is not always 3.