Doubly excited Atom of Helium

In summary, the question is asking about the possible decay of a Helium atom in a doubly excited state with the energy symbol 2p2 1D. The 2p2 indicates two electrons in the 2p state, while the 1D refers to the specific energy level of the electron. The letters D, S, P, etc. in the energy symbol represent different orbital angular momentum states. The options for decay include the emission of a proton and an electron (H+ and eA), or the emission of a photon (γ), with different final energy states for the Helium atom.
  • #1
QuarkDecay
47
2
The Atom of Helium is doubly excited in 2p2 1D

Can someone explain to me how these energy symbols work? I have a problem with what the 1D means specifically. I know 2p2 means two electrons in the 2p state. The 1 in 1D could be referring to electron being in a singleton, but I don't understand what the D means exactly, and what does it have to do with the 2p2.

The full question is, if the Helium is in this state above and it's decay time is in pico seconds, which one of the below will we get;

(a) H*( 2p2 1D ) → H+ (2s) + eA
(b) H*( 2p2 1D ) → H* (1s5p) + γ
(c) H*( 2p2 1D ) → H+ (1s) + eA + γ
(d) H*( 2p2 1D ) → H(1s2 1S) + γ1 + γ 2
 
Physics news on Phys.org

1. What is a doubly excited atom of helium?

A doubly excited atom of helium is an atom that has two electrons in excited states, meaning they have absorbed energy and moved to higher energy levels. In the case of helium, this typically occurs when both electrons are in the 2p state.

2. How is a doubly excited atom of helium formed?

A doubly excited atom of helium can be formed through a variety of processes, such as collisions with other particles or absorption of energy from an external source. It can also be formed through the decay of other excited atoms or ions.

3. What are the properties of a doubly excited atom of helium?

Doubly excited atoms of helium have unique properties due to the two excited electrons interacting with each other. These properties include longer lifetimes, smaller sizes, and different energy levels compared to singly excited or ground state helium atoms.

4. How is a doubly excited atom of helium studied in the laboratory?

In the laboratory, doubly excited atoms of helium are studied using various techniques such as spectroscopy, where the emitted or absorbed light is measured to determine the energy levels and transitions of the atoms. Other methods include scattering experiments and tunable lasers.

5. What are the applications of studying doubly excited atoms of helium?

Studying doubly excited atoms of helium can provide insights into the fundamental properties of atoms and their interactions. This knowledge can have practical applications in fields such as quantum computing, atomic clocks, and precision measurements. Additionally, these atoms can also be used as a probe to study other systems, such as molecules and solids.

Similar threads

I First excited state of Helium. Triplets and Singlet
    • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
2
Views
2K
A Numerical Hartree Fock with Finite Difference Matrices for Helium
    • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
4
Views
1K
Helium singlet/triplet state with total spin of 1
    • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
5
Views
3K
I Weakly interacting electrons in an atom
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
2
Views
761
I In what cases (precisely) are Hund's rules valid?
    • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
3
Views
2K
Help with Atomic Calcium Electron Configurations
    • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
1K
I General solution of the hydrogen atom Schrödinger equation
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
9
Views
2K
Exploring Covalent Bonds: A Deep Dive into the Basics and Complexities
    • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
5
Views
2K
I Question about excited Helium states
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
3
Views
2K
A Paschen notation for electronic states of Argon atom
    • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
2
Views
4K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top