Question 06/99
STRETCHED MOLECULE
A simple 3-atom molecule can be modeled as two infinitely rigid
rods ("bonds") of length l which are freely jointed,
i.e., the angle between those two rods can vary freely (see the picture).
The molecule is in thermal equilibrium
with its surrounding at temperature T.
With what force
F must the ends of the
molecule be pulled apart in order that the distance between the end-atoms be h?
(Obviously h < 2l.)
What is the origin of the resistance of the molecule to stretching?
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