The number of translational degrees of freedom for a diatomic gas is:

Question

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Step 1: Translational motion of a molecule is possible independently along the x-, y- and z-directions. Step 2: Every freely moving gas molecule, including a diatomic one, therefore has 3 translational degrees of freedom. Step 3: Extra rotational degrees of freedom are not included in the requested translational count. Final answer: (B) 3.