How Does the Zeeman Effect Alter Electron Orbitals in a Magnetic Field?

[cragar]

If electrons orbit an atom in discrete energy levels like n= 1 , 2, 3 ...
and they never orbit in between the ground state and the first excited state .
then why should a magnetic field break this rule and push the electron a little bit so when it relaxes back down it emits a longer or shorter wave-length of light because of the zeeman effect.

 

[sophiecentaur]

Because there is also the phenomenon of electron spin. Each electron can have a spin of + or - 1/2 in addition to the integer value quantum numbers. When it interacts with a magnetic field, this will produce a change in energy level. Electrons with a spin of +1/2 will have a different energy level from electrons with -1/2. So there will be two sets of possible levels (separated by a small amount) and two sets of possible transitions - producing 'line splitting' in the resultant optical spectrum. The stronger the field, the bigger the splitting efffect.

 

[cragar]

thanks for your answer , so it depends on its quantum numbers , kind of like the stern gerlach experiment.

 

[sophiecentaur]

Yes, in as far as the quantum numbers describe the energy state.

 

[firoz.raj]

i still have some doubt.i really want to know.how spectral line produce.when we place a atom in a Magnetic field .then How automatic .spectal line produce.i still have some Doubt.so kindly let me know the idea.any help would be highly appreciated.sorry
so many times to asking a very silly question.

 

[sophiecentaur]

When an atom is placed in a magnetic field the energy levels are split into two as the spin vector precesses around the field. + and - 1/2 spins taking it up and down a bit. More field, more the levels separate. This means two possible transitions rather than just the one without a magnetic field.