# Estimate the energy difference

1. Apr 24, 2010

### IHateMayonnaise

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Two parts to this one:

(a) If the $1s^2 ^1S$ ground state and $1s2s ^1S$ excited state of $He$has an energy separation of, estimate the energy difference between the same two states for $Ne^{8+}$.

(b) The $1s2s ^1S$ and $1s2s ^3S$ states of $He$ have an energy separation of 0.8 eV. What would be the energy separation between these two states for $Ne^{8+}$?

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution

I can only answer this question qualitatively, and poorly. In the case of Parahelium, where S=0 the energy difference would of course be larger, where in the case of Orthohelium where S=1 the energy difference would be smaller. But how can this be extended to $Ne^{8+}$? For $Ne^{8+}$ there would be a stronger coulombic force between the electrons and the enormously charged nucleus, but quantitatively how would it be possible to do this? Very confused :(

IHateMayonnaise