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Chemistry · Glossary

What is Ortho and para hydrogen?

Also known as: ortho hydrogen · para hydrogen

Definition 11.5 University Chemistry — Year 3 · Chapter 11 — Statistical Thermodynamics Applied

Ortho hydrogen is the form of HX2\ce{H2} with the two proton spins in a symmetric (triplet) state, which occupies only the odd rotational levels; para hydrogen the form with the antisymmetric (singlet) spin state, which occupies only the even levels.

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