Vibrational states

[Kyle_Phong_2J]

Professor Lavelle mentioned how when molecules are more complicated (have more atoms), they have more vibrational and rotational states, and a higher standard reaction entropy. I understand how rotational states work, but can someone explain what vibrational states are conceptually?

[Savonnah Wong 1A]

Molecular vibration happens when atoms in a molecule are in periodic motion while the whole molecule has constant translational and rotational motion. A fundamental vibration occurs when one quanta of energy is absorbed by the molecule in its ground state. When two quanta are absorbed, the first vibrational state is reached, and so on to higher states.