In this project funded by Experimental Physical Chemistry in the Chemistry Division, Prof. Berberian (St. Joseph's College) will study rotational motion of dielectrically active molecules in solution with non-polar, structurally similar species. The temperature, frequency, and concentration dependence of dielectric constant will be used to distinguish among competing models for liquid state dynamic behavior. By extending the measurements to low temperatures, intermolecular forces characteristic of the glassy state will be elucidated. The work is to be carried out with the aid of undergraduate assistants, who will benefit by exposure to modern research equipment and methodology. %%% Some molecules possess tiny electric dipole moments. By disolving such molecules in mixtures of electrically inert species of similar size and shape, and making the solution part of an electric circuit, it is possible to use variations in current to study how the surroundings of a molecule influence its rotational motion. This is important because at low temperatures where the motion becomes extremely sluggish, detailed understanding of the intermolecular forces is absent. Prof. Beberian's project in this area will lead to an improved undertanding of this "glassy" state of matter.
