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Chapter 9: Problem 8

Discuss the spin isomers of hydrogen. Is it possible to obtain pure para- hydrogen?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Hydrogen has two spin isomers: ortho-hydrogen with parallel spins, and para-hydrogen with antiparallel spins. They exist in equilibrium, with ortho-hydrogen being slightly more stable and hence more plentiful at room temperature. However, at extremely low temperatures, nearly all hydrogen converts to the para form. Thus, it is theoretically possible to obtain almost pure para-hydrogen, but this would necessitate maintaining incredibly low temperatures and strict isolation conditions.

Step by step solution

01

Explaining Spin Isomers

Spin isomers are molecules that have the exact same number and type of atoms, and the same structure, but have different magnetic moments. In the case of hydrogen, the two isomers are ortho-hydrogen and para-hydrogen. Ortho-hydrogen, having parallel spins, aligns with positive integer multiples of the basic quantum unit of spin (i.e., \( \hbar \)). Para-hydrogen, on the other hand, is an isomer with opposite or antiparallel spins, associating with even integer multiples of quantum spin.
02

Explaining Equilibrium between Spin Isomers

At room temperature, the equilibrium state of hydrogen is comprised of three parts ortho-hydrogen and one part para-hydrogen. This is largely due to ortho-hydrogen being slightly more stable than its para counterpart; the extra stability arises from the additional space that its parallel spins require, reducing inter-electron repulsion. However, this equilibrium ratio changes at different temperatures.
03

Potential to Isolate Para-Hydrogen

Isolating para-hydrogen primarily necessitates lowering the temperature. At very low temperatures (close to absolute zero), virtually all hydrogen converts to the para form. Nevertheless, obtaining a 'pure' specimen is challenging because even a tiny amount of thermal energy can convert some para-hydrogen back into the ortho form. Therefore, while it is theoretically possible to obtain nearly pure para-hydrogen, this would require maintaining extremely low temperatures and careful isolation from any forms of energy.

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