SUMMARY
The discussion focuses on calculating the magnetic field strength in the context of the Normal Zeeman Effect, specifically for the red line of the Balmer series in hydrogen at a wavelength of 656.5 nm. Participants noted that the observed splitting of 0.065 nm between spectral lines requires conversion of wavelength to energy using the equation E = hc/λ. The magnetic field can then be calculated using the equation E = E0 + μB × B × ml, where μB is the Bohr magneton (9.27400899 × 10^-24 J T^-1). Missteps in directly equating energy and wavelength were highlighted, emphasizing the need for proper unit conversion.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of the Normal Zeeman Effect
- Familiarity with the Bohr magneton (μB)
- Knowledge of energy-wavelength conversion (E = hc/λ)
- Basic principles of quantum mechanics related to atomic spectra
NEXT STEPS
- Learn about the Normal Zeeman Effect and its implications in atomic physics
- Study energy-wavelength conversion techniques in quantum mechanics
- Explore the calculation of magnetic fields in various contexts using μB
- Investigate the Balmer series and its significance in spectroscopy
USEFUL FOR
Physics students, educators, and researchers interested in atomic spectroscopy, quantum mechanics, and the effects of magnetic fields on spectral lines.