Normal Zeeman effect of hydrogen atoms

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the normal Zeeman effect observed in hydrogen atoms with electrons in the 6d state when subjected to a magnetic field of 2.28 Tesla. The energy difference is calculated using the formula Delta_E=ml*\mub*B, where \mub=5.7884 eV/T. For part A, the user incorrectly assumes ml=5, leading to an incorrect energy difference calculation of 6.599E-4 eV. For part B, the user is uncertain about determining the possible values of the magnetic quantum number (ml) for the 1s state and how to calculate the energy difference between the lowest and highest observed states.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics, specifically the hydrogen atom model
  • Familiarity with the Zeeman effect and its implications on energy levels
  • Knowledge of quantum numbers, including principal (n), orbital angular momentum (l), and magnetic (ml) quantum numbers
  • Ability to apply the formula Delta_E=ml*\mub*B for energy calculations in magnetic fields
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the principles of the Zeeman effect and its impact on atomic energy levels
  • Study the quantum numbers associated with atomic orbitals, focusing on their significance in energy calculations
  • Learn how to calculate energy differences in magnetic fields using the formula Delta_E=ml*\mub*B
  • Explore the implications of electron transitions in hydrogen atoms from excited states to ground states
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in physics, particularly those studying atomic physics and quantum mechanics, as well as researchers interested in the behavior of hydrogen atoms in magnetic fields.

kraigandrews
Messages
105
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



When specially prepared Hydrogen atoms with their electrons in the 6d state are placed into a strong uniform magnetic field, the degenerate energy levels split into several levels. This is the so called normal Zeeman effect.

A) Ignoring the electron spin what is the largest possible energy difference, if the magnetic field is 2.28 Tesla?

After a certain period the electrons return to the 1s ground state in the Hydrogen atoms.

B) What will be the energy difference between the lowest and the highest observed "ground" state still in the same magnetic field?



Homework Equations



Delta_E=ml*\mub*B, where \mub=5.7884 eV/T

The Attempt at a Solution


for a)
since it is in 6d i think ml=5 then it should just be a plug and chug to get: 6.599E-4 eV but this isn't right. So I am not sure where i went wrong.

for b) I am not sure what to do.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
If it is 6d, this means that its principle quantum number is 6 and its orbital angular momentum quantum number is 2 (since it goes s=0, p=1, d=2).
So we are given the orbital angular momentum quantum number, so what are the possible values for the magnetic quantum number? And what is the greatest possible difference in ml? (Its not 5).
For b, for the 1s state, think what do we know about the possible values of ml?
 

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
6K
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K