Doubts regarding atomic spectra of mono-electron species

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the atomic spectra of mono-electron species, specifically focusing on the characteristics and formulas of the sharp, diffuse, principal, and fundamental series. Participants express confusion regarding the signs in formulas, the definitions of variables, and the relationships between different series.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the sign used in the formula for the sharp series, noting a discrepancy between Wikipedia and their textbook.
  • Another participant points out a potential typo in the equations referenced by the first participant, suggesting that further calculations could clarify the situation.
  • Concerns are raised about the definitions of variables, particularly regarding the values of p and q in the sharp and diffuse series, and whether the diffuse series should be classified under the sharp series.
  • Several participants request additional source material that includes the relevant formulas, indicating a need for more comprehensive references beyond what is available on Wikipedia.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correctness of the formulas and the definitions of variables, indicating that multiple competing interpretations exist. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the correct application of the formulas and the classification of the series.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight potential typos and inconsistencies in the equations, as well as the need for clarity on the definitions of variables used in the formulas. The discussion does not resolve these issues.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to students and researchers studying atomic spectra, particularly those focusing on mono-electron species and the associated mathematical formulations.

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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