Question

The translational degrees of freedom (\(f_t\)) and rotational degrees of freedom (\(f_r\)) of \( \text{CH}_4 \) molecule are:

• A. \( f_t = 2 \, \text{and} \, f_r = 2 \)
• B. \( f_t = 3 \, \text{and} \, f_r = 3 \)
• C. \( f_t = 3 \, \text{and} \, f_r = 2 \)
• D. \( f_t = 2 \, \text{and} \, f_r = 3 \)

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Since CH₄ is polyatomic Non-Linear D.O.F of CH₄:
T. DOF = 3 R DOF = 3

The molecule CH₄ (methane) is a polyatomic molecule with a non-linear structure.

For non-linear polyatomic molecules:
The translational degrees of freedom (f_t) are 3, corresponding to motion along the x, y, and z axes.

The rotational degrees of freedom (f_r) are also 3, as the molecule can rotate about three mutually perpendicular axes.

Thus, for CH₄, we have:
\[ f_{t} = 3 \, \text{and} \, f_{r} = 3. \]