Intensity of the sulfur dioxide rotational spectrum

The integral band intensity of the pure rotational absorption of SO₂ gas has been determined from far-i.r. spectra. From the curve of growth, the value at 298°K is found to be S^o_b = 35.2±1.5atm^-1 -cm^-2. The entire set of experimental data has been analyzed using an absorption band model. The derived intensity agrees with that obtained from the curve of growth to be better than 10%. This result should be of value in connection with atmospheric models of the planet Venus.