Calculating Angles for Many Electron System w/ L=2, S=1, J=2

In summary, we are calculating the angle between the L and S vectors in a many electron system with L=2, S=1, and J=2 using both the old quantum theory and quantum mechanics. In the old quantum theory, we use L=n\hbar, while in quantum mechanics we use LS cos(theta)=L.S=[J(J+1)-L(L+1)-S(S+1)]/2.
  • #1
neelakash
511
1

Homework Statement



For a many electron system with L=2,S=1 and J=2 calculate the angle between the L and S vectors both according to the old quantum theory and quantum mechanics.

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution



I suppose this problem is nothing but a simple application of cosine rule.The external angle is the answer.
But I am thinking twice as they mention: both according to the old quantum theory and quantum mechanics.

Am I missing something?
 
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  • #2
In the Bohr model (I think that qualifies as "old quantum theory"), we have [itex]L=n\hbar[/itex], where [itex]n=1,2,3,...[/itex]. Contrast that with modern quantum mechanics.

Does that help?
 
  • #3
neelakash said:

Homework Statement



For a many electron system with L=2,S=1 and J=2 calculate the angle between the L and S vectors both according to the old quantum theory and quantum mechanics.
In QM, use LS cos(theta)=L.S=[J(J+1)-L(L+1)-S(S+1)]/2.
 

1. How do you calculate the angular momentum for a many electron system with L=2, S=1, and J=2?

The angular momentum for a many electron system is calculated using the formula L = √[L(L+1)]ħ, where L is the total orbital angular momentum quantum number and ħ is the reduced Planck's constant. In this case, L=2, so the angular momentum would be √[2(2+1)]ħ = √6ħ.

2. What does the quantum number L represent in this system?

The quantum number L represents the total orbital angular momentum of the system. It is a measure of the angular momentum of the electrons as they orbit around the nucleus.

3. How is the total spin quantum number S determined in this system?

The total spin quantum number S is determined by adding the individual spin quantum numbers of each electron in the system. In this case, S=1, meaning that there are two electrons with opposite spin orientations present in the system.

4. What is the relationship between the total angular momentum J and the quantum numbers L and S in this system?

The total angular momentum J is given by the vector sum of the orbital angular momentum L and the spin angular momentum S. In this system, J = L + S = 2 + 1 = 3.

5. How does the calculated angular momentum affect the energy levels of the system?

The calculated angular momentum affects the energy levels of the system through the fine structure splitting, which is a result of the interaction between the orbital and spin angular momenta. The energy levels will be split into sub-levels, with the energy increasing as the angular momentum increases.

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