Question

What is a ground state?

(a) Energy when gas is at absolute zero

(b) Energy when gas is at 273.15 K

(c) State where energies are non – existent

(d) State where only translation energy exists

I have been asked this question in an interview for job.

The origin of the question is Microscopic Description of Gases in section Properties of High Temperature Gases of Aerodynamics

Answer 1

Correct option is (a) Energy when gas is at absolute zero

The explanation: The molecule’s ground state refers to the energy that the molecule would have if the gas were theoretically at absolute zero temperature. Therefore, the values for the translational, rotational, vibrational, and electronic modes are often referred to as zero – point energies.