Determening allowed states in atoms

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the allowed atomic states for a np2 configuration, specifically addressing the confusion surrounding the notation of the ^1P state and the implications of the Pauli exclusion principle. The user questions the validity of the ^1P state, asserting that the spins are anti-parallel and that the magnetic quantum numbers (ML) can be satisfied without violating the Pauli principle. However, a participant clarifies that for n=2, L=1 is indeed valid, while for n=1, only L=0 exists, thus resolving the misunderstanding regarding the notation and the allowed states.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum numbers (n, L, S, ML)
  • Familiarity with the Pauli exclusion principle
  • Basic knowledge of atomic orbital configurations
  • Ability to interpret spectroscopic notation (e.g., ^2S+1L)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of the Pauli exclusion principle in multi-electron atoms
  • Learn about the quantum mechanical model of the atom and its quantum numbers
  • Explore atomic term symbols and their significance in spectroscopy
  • Investigate the differences between n=1 and n=2 orbital configurations
USEFUL FOR

Students of quantum mechanics, physicists studying atomic structure, and educators teaching atomic theory will benefit from this discussion.

jonas_nilsson
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Hello,
there is one thing about atomic states I don't understand. I try to look at what states are possible for a np^2 configuration (that is, all lower shells are filled and don't contribute to the case). For example my textbook says that the [tex]~^1 P[/tex] state is not allowed because of the Pauli principle.
But now, let's have a look at what [tex]^1 ~P[/tex] means:
L = 1
S = 0
The spins are clearly anti-parallel. For L = 1 we have M_L = -1,0,1. I don't see any problem finding m_l's adding up to those M_L's without breaking the Pauli principle. So what am I not getting?
 
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jonas_nilsson said:
Hello,
there is one thing about atomic states I don't understand. I try to look at what states are possible for a np^2 configuration (that is, all lower shells are filled and don't contribute to the case). For example my textbook says that the [tex]~^1 P[/tex] state is not allowed because of the Pauli principle.
But now, let's have a look at what [tex]^1 ~P[/tex] means:
L = 1
S = 0
The spins are clearly anti-parallel. For L = 1 we have M_L = -1,0,1. I don't see any problem finding m_l's adding up to those M_L's without breaking the Pauli principle. So what am I not getting?

Er... unless I misunderstand your notation, for n=1, you only have L=0 as the only possible angular momentum state. L=1 doesn't exist. Only for n=2 do you have L=0 and 1.

Zz.
 
No I don't mean n=1 but rather 2S+1 = 1. I tried to hang the "1" a bit higher with tex-code, but it didn't work out perfectly I guess. To clarify: with upper case I mean the total spin/orbital angular momentum of all the electrons and with lower case spin/orbital angular momentum of an individual electron.
 

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