Understanding Hydrogen 2p Doublet: Removing Orbital-Spin Degeneracy

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In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of orbital-spin interaction and how it affects the energy levels of an electron in an n=2 state with l=1. The absence of an external field still allows for an orbital magnetic moment, which interacts with the spin magnetic moment and gives it potential energy. This interaction removes the degeneracy of the p state, resulting in four quantum states for j=3/2 and two quantum states for j=1/2. The state l=1, m=0 still exists, but is no longer an eigenstate of the atomic hamiltonian. The conversation also mentions Clebsch Gordan coefficients and how they can be used to construct eigenstates with specific values for total angular momentum and magnetic
  • #1
oddiseas
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I am trying to better understand this concept.

for an n=2 state, l=1 we have three values for the magnetic quantum number, -1,0,1.
Now in the absence of an "external" field we still have the orbital magnetic moment.So we can say that the magnetic field that the electron craete by its orbit interacts with the spin magnetic moment and gives it a "potential" energy.

For the afformentioned state we will thus get the energies:{E(0)=initial energy of 2p state,omega =larmour frequancy}

E=E(0)-h(omega), E(0) ,E(0)+h(omega)

So i know that in a porbital there are six possible states.
For j=3/2 we get 4 states and for j=1/2 we get two states.My book says that this orbital-spin interaction has removed the degenaracy of the p state.

My questions are:
1) does the l=1, m=0 state cease to exist?

2)And considering that there are two energy levels and j=3/2 has 4 quantum states and j=1/2 ,2 quantum states,are they not degenerate "because" each now has a unique total angular momentum J?
 
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To question 1) the state l=1 and m=0 still exists but it is no longer an eigenstate of the atomic hamiltonian. These eigenstates are now mixtures of e.g. l=1, m=0 and s=1/2, m_s=1/2 and of l=1, m=1 and s=1/2 and m_s=-1/2. From these states one can construct eigenstates with l=1, s=1/2 and J=3/2 M_J=1/2 and l=1, s=1/2, J=1/2 and M_J=1/2. The coefficients of this mixings are called Clebsch Gordan coefficients and you can either look them up or find them by acting on e.g. l=1, m=1, s=1/2, m_s=1/2 with an angular momentum lowering operator.
 

1. What is orbital-spin degeneracy in hydrogen 2p doublet?

Orbital-spin degeneracy refers to the equal energy levels of the two p-orbitals in hydrogen due to the same spin state of the electron. This results in two spectral lines with the same energy, known as a doublet.

2. Why is understanding hydrogen 2p doublet important?

Understanding hydrogen 2p doublet is important because it provides valuable information about the energy levels and spin states of electrons in atoms. This can help in studying the electronic structure of other elements and molecules.

3. How can orbital-spin degeneracy be removed in hydrogen 2p doublet?

Orbital-spin degeneracy in hydrogen 2p doublet can be removed by applying an external magnetic field which splits the energy levels of the two p-orbitals. This results in two distinct spectral lines with different energies.

4. What is the significance of removing orbital-spin degeneracy in hydrogen 2p doublet?

Removing orbital-spin degeneracy in hydrogen 2p doublet allows for more accurate measurements of the energy levels and spin states of electrons. This can help in understanding the behavior of atoms and molecules in different environments.

5. Are there any practical applications of studying hydrogen 2p doublet?

Yes, understanding hydrogen 2p doublet has practical applications in fields such as chemistry, physics, and astronomy. It can help in identifying and analyzing spectral lines in the light emitted by stars and other celestial objects, and in studying the electronic structure of molecules in chemical reactions.

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