Rotational transitions refer to changes in rotational energy levels within molecules. When molecules absorb or emit photons (particles of light) during these transitions, they experience changes in their rotational motion.
Related terms
Vibrational Transitions: These involve changes in vibrational energy levels within molecules and result from absorption or emission of infrared radiation.
These involve changes in electronic energy levels within atoms or molecules and occur when they absorb or emit photons with specific energies.
Quantum Mechanics: This branch of physics deals with phenomena at very small scales such as atomic and molecular behavior. It provides a framework for understanding rotational transitions.