Doubts regarding atomic spectra of mono-electron species

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the atomic spectra of mono-electron species, specifically addressing the confusion surrounding the sharp series and its associated formulas. Key points include discrepancies in the signs of constants between Wikipedia and textbooks, the interpretation of the variable p in the sharp series, and the relationship between the sharp and diffuse series. The participants suggest calculating wavenumbers for verification and highlight potential typos in the equations presented.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of atomic spectra and mono-electron species
  • Familiarity with the sharp, principal, diffuse, and fundamental series
  • Basic knowledge of wavenumber calculations in spectroscopy
  • Ability to interpret mathematical equations in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "sharp principal diffuse fundamental series equations" for deeper insights
  • Learn about alkali spectra and their significance in atomic physics
  • Examine the derivation of wavenumbers in atomic spectra
  • Review lecture materials on atomic spectra, such as those from Trinity College Dublin
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in physics, particularly those studying atomic spectra, as well as educators looking for clarification on the sharp series and its equations.

Hawkingo
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I was studying about atomic spectra of mono-electron species and in the pic it describes the ##4## series (principal, sharp, diffuse and fundamental).

However I'm a little confused by the formula.Here my doubts are:

1) In the Wikipedia about the sharp series. There is ##+ve## sign between ##p/q## (energy levels) and ##\alpha## and ##\beta## (characteristics constants) but in the book it is ##-ve## sign. So which is correct?
2) In the sharp series it says ##p=2## and ##q\ge2##,but it writes in fomula (##1- \alpha##) where ##1## is supposed to be the value of ##p##. So why is it like that?

3) In the sharp series it says ##p=2## and ##q\ge2##,but in the diffuse series it says ##p=2## and ##q\ge3##.So wouldn't the diffuse series come under sharp series because what is ##\ge2## is obviously ##\ge3##

Thanks for reading. [1]:
[2]: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sharp_series
 
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1) You could try calculating the wavenumbers for both and comparing them to experiment.
2) Eq. 2.15 seems to show you that Eq. 2.12 is a typo.
3) Each of those equations has a ##\beta## with a different subscript, so they are going to give different results.
 
Dr_Nate said:
1) You could try calculating the wavenumbers for both and comparing them to experiment.
2) Eq. 2.15 seems to show you that Eq. 2.12 is a typo.
3) Each of those equations has a ##\beta## with a different subscript, so they are going to give different results.
Can you give any source material on this concept containing the formulas? In Wikipedia there are only 1st 2 series
 
Hawkingo said:
Can you give any source material on this concept containing the formulas? In Wikipedia there are only 1st 2 series
You might want to search for "sharp principal diffuse fundamental series equations" or "alkali spectra".

Here, here and https://www.tcd.ie/Physics/people/Peter.Gallagher/lectures/js_atomic/JS_atomic_lecture8_9.pdf might be useful links.
 

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