Solution to 1986 Problem 87


The vibrational degrees of freedom for a diatomic molecule are dead at 300 \mbox{ K} (room temperature), while the rotational degrees of freedom are active at 300 \mbox{ K}. When the temperature is increased beyond 2000 \mbox{ K}, the vibrational degrees of freedom become active for N_2 (nitrogen) and O_2 (oxygen). Thus, answer (E) is correct.


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