Lowest fine structure energy transitions

In summary, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Atomic Spectra Database (ASD) is a useful resource for finding the lowest fine-structure energy transitions and wavelengths for atoms, as well as the lowest rotational energy transitions and wavelengths for molecules. These transitions occur in the ultraviolet and infrared ranges, with specific examples such as the Lyman and Balmer series in hydrogen and the vibrational-rotational transitions in water. Other databases, such as the Infrared and Raman Spectral Atlas, are also available for finding this information.
  • #1
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Hi,
I would like to know what atoms have the lowest fine-structure energy transitions with their wavelengths.
Also I want to know what molecules have the lowest rotational energy transitions with their wavelengths.
Is there a database where one can find them?
Thank you
 
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  • #2
.The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Atomic Spectra Database (ASD) is a great resource for finding the lowest fine-structure energy transitions and wavelengths for atoms. The ASD also provides information on the lowest rotational energy transitions and wavelengths for molecules. You can access the database at https://physics.nist.gov/asd.
 
  • #3
.For atoms, the lowest energy transitions (as measured by wavelength) are in the ultraviolet range. Specifically, the Lyman and Balmer series of transitions in hydrogen have wavelengths of 121.6 nm and 656.3 nm respectively. For molecules, the lowest energy transitions occur in the infrared range, with the vibrational-rotational transitions of molecules like water having wavelengths of around 4.7 microns. As for databases, there are many available, such as the NIST Atomic Spectra Database and the Infrared and Raman Spectral Atlas.
 

1. What is the concept of "lowest fine structure energy transitions"?

The concept of "lowest fine structure energy transitions" refers to the phenomenon in quantum mechanics where an atom or molecule undergoes a transition from one energy level to another, with the lowest possible energy difference between the two levels. This is known as the "fine structure" energy transition because it involves changes in the electron's spin and orbital angular momentum.

2. How are "lowest fine structure energy transitions" different from other energy transitions?

"Lowest fine structure energy transitions" are different from other energy transitions because they involve very small energy differences, typically on the order of 10^-4 eV. This is in contrast to other energy transitions, such as electronic transitions, which can have energy differences on the order of 1 eV.

3. What causes "lowest fine structure energy transitions" to occur?

"Lowest fine structure energy transitions" occur due to the interaction between an electron's spin and its orbital angular momentum. This interaction is known as the "spin-orbit coupling" and is responsible for the fine structure splitting of energy levels in atoms and molecules.

4. Can "lowest fine structure energy transitions" be observed in real-life systems?

Yes, "lowest fine structure energy transitions" can be observed in real-life systems, such as in atomic and molecular spectra. These transitions can be detected using spectroscopy techniques, which allow scientists to measure the energy differences between different energy levels in a system.

5. How do "lowest fine structure energy transitions" impact our understanding of quantum mechanics?

The study of "lowest fine structure energy transitions" is important in quantum mechanics because it provides insights into the behavior of electrons and their interactions with other particles. It also helps us understand the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics, such as the quantization of energy levels and the role of spin in atomic and molecular systems.

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