The absorption spectrum of $\mathrm{O}_{2}$ shows a vibrational structure that becomes continuum at $56875 \mathrm{cm}^{-1}$. At the continuum, it dissociates into one ground state atom $\left(\mathrm{O}_{\mathrm{g}}\right)$ and one excited state atom $\left(\mathrm{O}_{\mathrm{e}}\right)$. The energy difference between $\mathrm{O}_{\mathrm{e}}$ and $\mathrm{O}_{\mathrm{g}}$ is $15125 \mathrm{cm}^{-1}$. The dissociation energy (in $\mathrm{cm}^{-1}$ ) of ground state of $\mathrm{O}_{2}$ is:
(a)$56875 / 15125$
(b)$15125 / 56875$
(c)7200
(d)41750
Answer
Answer: D ✓ checked by 4AB · confidence high
Explanation
The convergence limit corresponds to O(³P) + O(¹D); subtracting the atomic excitation gives D₀ = 56875 − 15125 = 41750 cm⁻¹.