A diatomic molecule can be modeled as two point masses, m 1 and m 2 , slightly

Question:

A diatomic molecule can be modeled as two point masses, m₁and m₂, slightly separated (Fig. Q9.2). If the molecule is oriented along the y-axis, it has kinetic energy K when it spins about the x-axis. What will its kinetic energy (in terms of K) be if it spins at the same angular speed about

(a) The z-axis and

(b) The y-axis?

Figure Q9.2