Finding Bond Lengths: A Physicist's Guide

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In summary, finding bond lengths is a crucial aspect of a physicist's work in understanding the structure and properties of molecules. This involves measuring the distance between bonded atoms, which can be done using various techniques such as X-ray diffraction, spectroscopy, and computational methods. The accuracy of bond length determination is essential in predicting chemical reactivity, molecular stability, and other physical properties. By understanding and accurately measuring bond lengths, physicists can contribute to advancements in fields such as chemistry, materials science, and pharmaceuticals.
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So I'm doing research on a particular protein and I need to find bond lengths to parameterize the chromophore. I currently have a bunch of IR Spectroscopic data and I'm thinking I can use the wavelengths of absorptions between bonds to somehow find bond length. I am actually a physicist and so anything regarding the molecular physics of this would be helpful. Also If I can't calculate bond lengths, I might need to do an "AB Initio QM" calculations of the bonds. Would you have any good sources on how this is done and what software I can use?
 
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Thanks a bunch for the software. It seems like it'll solve my problem. Together with the data I have and the software, it should be pretty easy to solve what I'm looking for. It should be more accurate then just taking general bond lengths found in other chemicals.
 

FAQ: Finding Bond Lengths: A Physicist's Guide

1. What are bond lengths?

Bond lengths are the distance between the nuclei of two bonded atoms. It is an important parameter in understanding the chemical behavior and properties of molecules.

2. How are bond lengths measured?

Bond lengths are typically measured using techniques such as X-ray crystallography, spectroscopy, and electron diffraction. These methods involve analyzing the positions of atoms in a molecule and calculating the distance between them.

3. Why is it important to determine bond lengths?

Determining bond lengths allows scientists to understand the structure and properties of molecules, as well as how they interact with other molecules. This information is crucial in fields such as chemistry, biology, and materials science.

4. What factors affect bond lengths?

The strength of a bond and the atoms involved are the main factors that affect bond lengths. Stronger bonds have shorter lengths, and atoms with larger atomic radii tend to have longer bond lengths.

5. What are some common bond lengths?

Bond lengths can vary greatly depending on the type of bond and the atoms involved. However, some common bond lengths include 1.54 Å for a carbon-carbon single bond, 1.33 Å for a carbon-nitrogen bond, and 0.74 Å for a hydrogen-oxygen bond.

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