Answer to Question #165421 in Classical Mechanics for S. Dhasneem

Question

Find the degrees of freedom for dumbbell moving in space then how to calculate

Answer 1

Answer

According to classical mechanics

If there are constraints then

$f = N d − k$

where k is the number of constraints.

In above case the translational motion of these molecules can still be described by three degrees of freedom.the “dumbbell” can rotate in space as it travels, adding two more degrees.Total degree of freedom is 5.