Home Back

Second Overtone Frequency Calculator

Second Overtone Frequency Formula:

\[ v_{0 \to 3} = (3 \times v_{vib}) \times (1 - 4 \times x_e) \]

Hz
(unitless)

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From: To:

1. What is Second Overtone Frequency?

The Second Overtone Frequency is the frequency of photons on the second excited state/overtone band of a diatomic molecule. It represents the vibrational transition from the ground state to the third excited state in molecular spectroscopy.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Second Overtone Frequency formula:

\[ v_{0 \to 3} = (3 \times v_{vib}) \times (1 - 4 \times x_e) \]

Where:

Explanation: The formula calculates the frequency for the second overtone transition, accounting for anharmonicity effects in molecular vibrations.

3. Importance of Second Overtone Frequency

Details: Second overtone frequencies are crucial in molecular spectroscopy for identifying molecular structures, studying vibrational energy levels, and analyzing molecular interactions in various chemical and physical systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter vibrational frequency in Hz and anharmonicity constant (unitless). Both values must be valid (vibrational frequency > 0, anharmonicity constant ≥ 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between fundamental and overtone frequencies?
A: Fundamental frequency corresponds to the v=0→1 transition, while overtones correspond to higher transitions (v=0→2 for first overtone, v=0→3 for second overtone).

Q2: Why is the anharmonicity constant important?
A: The anharmonicity constant accounts for deviations from ideal harmonic oscillator behavior, making frequency calculations more accurate for real molecular systems.

Q3: What are typical values for anharmonicity constants?
A: Anharmonicity constants are typically small positive values (0.001-0.1) that vary depending on the specific molecule and bond type.

Q4: Can this calculator be used for polyatomic molecules?
A: This formula is primarily designed for diatomic molecules. For polyatomic molecules, more complex calculations involving normal modes are required.

Q5: How does temperature affect overtone frequencies?
A: Temperature can affect molecular vibrations through thermal expansion and population of excited states, though these effects are typically small for most applications.

Second Overtone Frequency Calculator© - All Rights Reserved 2025