How Is the Magnetic Field Calculated in the Normal Zeeman Effect?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the Normal Zeeman Effect, specifically focusing on the splitting of the red line of the Balmer series in hydrogen when subjected to a magnetic field. Participants are tasked with calculating the magnetic field strength based on the observed wavelength splitting of the spectral lines.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between energy and wavelength, with attempts to convert wavelength differences into energy values. There is also a focus on the implications of using specific values for quantum numbers in calculations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the conversion of wavelength to energy, while others are exploring the implications of their calculations and questioning the assumptions made regarding energy differences. Multiple interpretations of the equations and their applications are being examined.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted confusion regarding the application of energy equations and the distinction between energy and wavelength, as well as the correct interpretation of quantum numbers in the context of the problem.

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Homework Statement



The red line of the Balmer series in hydrogen has a
wavelength of 656.5 nm. Suppose that this line is observed to
split into three different spectral lines when placed in a magnetic field, B, due to the Normal Zeeman Effect. What is the
value of the magnetic field if the wavelength splitting between
adjacent lines is 0.065 nm?


Homework Equations



\mu_{B}\ =\ 9.27400899(37)\ \times\ 10^{-24}\ J\ T^{-1}

E=E_0+\mu_B\times B\times m_l

The Attempt at a Solution



I said that E - E0 = .065 nm

and solved for B, saying m_l = 1, but that's not right.

Any ideas?
 
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E is an energy, nm is a length and not an energy. You can convert the wavelength values to energy values, then it will work.
 
Ah right good catch. I tried that and got 3.3*10^8 T, but that was wrong too.

i did E = \frac{hc}{\lambda}

where \lambda is .065 nm

than divided by \mu_B
 
Note that ##E = \frac{hc}{\lambda}## does not imply that ##\Delta E = \frac{hc}{\Delta \lambda}##.
 

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