The rototranslational absorption spectrum of gaseous N2 is analyzed, considering quadrupolar and hexadecapolar induction mechanisms. The available experimental data are accounted for by using a line-shape analysis in which empirical profiles describe the single-line translational profiles. We thus derive the simple procedure that allows one to predict the N2 spectrum at any temperature. On the basis of the results obtained for the pure gas, we also propose a procedure to compute the far-infrared spectrum of the N2–Ar gaseous mixture. The good agreement between computed and experimental N2–Ar data indicates that it is possible to predict the far-infrared absorption induced by N2 on the isotropic polarizability of any interacting partner.
The collision-induced rotational translational spectrum of gaseous N2 has been measured in the temperature range 228–343 K at six different temperatures. The measurements were made with a Fourier transform spectrometer in the 25 to 360 cm−1 region and at 15.1 and 84.2 cm−1 with far infrared (FIR) laser. Previously obtained microwave data at 2.3 and 4.7 cm−1 have been used in defining the complete spectrum. Using a recently developed theory for quadrupolar-induced absorption, we find that the calculated quadrupole moment is independent of temperature and has a magnitude in close agreement with the recommended values of several other workers; i.e., Q = 1.46 B. The calculated value depends on the particular form of the intermolecular potential and this dependence is examined in some detail. A contribution to the absorption originating primarily from hexadecapolar and overlap induction has been observed in agreement with theoretical estimates and leads to an estimated value for the hexadecapolar moment φ=3.4*10-42 esu cm4.
