Hg:L-S coupling or j-j coupling?

  • Thread starter phdphysics
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Coupling
In summary, during the Franck-Hertz experiment testing Bohr's theory, electrons collide with Hg atoms which can absorb the electron's energy and jump to a higher energy level. The type of coupling in Hg, whether LS or j-j, is important for accurately measuring its higher excited state. NIST has a searchable database that includes both LS and j-j transitions in Hg, such as the 253.7 nm line.
  • #1
phdphysics
6
0
When testing Bohr's theory by Franck-Hertz experiment, we have electrons colliding with Hg atoms. a Hg atom will absorb electron's energy when this energy can make it jumping to a higher energy level. I wonder Hg is more like L-S coupling or j-j coupling, for I want to measure its higher excited state by accelerating electrons faster.
By the way, I have known that L-S coupling is effected when residual electrostatic is far lager than spin-orbit interaction.

Thank you!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #3
Thank you!That database is very useful!
 

1. What is the difference between Hg: L-S coupling and j-j coupling?

Hg: L-S coupling refers to the coupling between the total orbital angular momentum (L) and total spin angular momentum (S) of a mercury atom. J-j coupling, on the other hand, refers to the coupling between the individual orbital angular momentum (j) and spin angular momentum (j) of the mercury atom.

2. Which type of coupling is more commonly used for mercury atoms?

For mercury atoms, j-j coupling is more commonly used because the L-S coupling scheme does not accurately describe the electronic structure of mercury.

3. How does Hg: L-S coupling affect the energy levels of mercury atoms?

Hg: L-S coupling results in the splitting of energy levels into two groups, known as the singlet and triplet states. The energy gap between these two states is known as the spin-orbit splitting.

4. Why is j-j coupling considered a better approximation for mercury atoms?

J-j coupling takes into account the relativistic effects on the electrons in mercury atoms, making it a more accurate approximation compared to Hg: L-S coupling.

5. Can both Hg: L-S coupling and j-j coupling be used to describe mercury atoms?

Yes, both Hg: L-S coupling and j-j coupling can be used to describe mercury atoms, but j-j coupling is the preferred method due to its higher accuracy. Hg: L-S coupling is still used in some cases where the spin-orbit interaction is weak.

Similar threads

  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Other Physics Topics
2
Replies
56
Views
4K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
12
Views
1K
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
14
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Back
Top