Why filled shell of electrons has L=0 and S=0?

In summary, the text explains that the spin momenta and orbital momenta of electrons cancel each other, resulting in S = 0 and L = 0. When using S-L coupling, the allowed values for S are S = s1 + s2 and S = s1 - s2. Since s1 and s2 are both 1/2, S can have two values, 0 and 1. However, in the case of a filled shell, the S = 0 state is usually lower in energy than S = 1.
  • #1
runnerwei
9
0
The text says that the spin momenta of those electrons cancel each other so S=0.
The text also says that the orbital momenta of those electrons cancel each other so L=0.
But, if there are electrons with quantum numbers (l1,s1) and (l2,s2), using S-L coupling, the L=l1+l2,l1+l2-1,...\l1-l2\,
S=s1+s2,s1-s2
How to reach the conclusion that L=0 and S=0 if the shell is filled?
Thanks a lot!
 
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  • #2
Because it is rotationally invariant and, hence, must correspond to a singlet state.
 
  • #3
As according to the coupling rule, the allowed values for S is S=s1+s2,s1-s2. As s1=s2=1/2, S can have two values, 0 and 1. So how would they say that S=0, rather than S=1?
 
  • #4
runnerwei said:
As according to the coupling rule, the allowed values for S is S=s1+s2,s1-s2. As s1=s2=1/2, S can have two values, 0 and 1. So how would they say that S=0, rather than S=1?

Probably because the [tex]S = 0[/tex] state usually has lower energy than [tex]S = 1[/tex], but this depends on the details of the Hamiltonian.
 

1. Why do filled electron shells have an angular momentum of 0?

Filled electron shells have an angular momentum of 0 because the electrons within them are arranged in pairs with opposite spins, canceling out any net angular momentum. This is known as the Pauli exclusion principle.

2. What does it mean for a filled electron shell to have a spin of 0?

A filled electron shell with a spin of 0 means that all of the electrons within the shell have opposite spins, resulting in a net spin of 0. This is due to the pairing of electrons with opposite spins in accordance with the Pauli exclusion principle.

3. Why is the total angular momentum of a filled electron shell 0?

The total angular momentum of a filled electron shell is 0 because the individual angular momenta of each paired electron cancel each other out. This is due to the pairing of electrons with opposite spins within the shell.

4. What is the significance of a filled electron shell having an angular momentum and spin of 0?

The significance of a filled electron shell having an angular momentum and spin of 0 is that it indicates a stable and energetically favorable configuration. This is because the electrons within the shell are arranged in pairs with opposite spins, resulting in a cancellation of any net angular momentum.

5. How does the Pauli exclusion principle relate to the angular momentum and spin of filled electron shells?

The Pauli exclusion principle dictates that no two electrons in an atom can have the same set of quantum numbers, including spin. This leads to the pairing of electrons with opposite spins within a filled electron shell, resulting in a cancellation of any net angular momentum and spin.

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