Orbital motion electron (quantum)

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the sodium doublet, which consists of two closely spaced spectral lines at wavelengths 588.995 nm and 589.592 nm. The energy difference between the upper energy levels (n=3, l=1) is calculated using the formula E=hc/λ, resulting in an energy difference of 3.3 x 10-16 J. The internal magnetic field associated with the electron's orbital motion is derived from the magnetic moment, with calculations suggesting a value of B=2.5 x 107 T. The participants clarify that the internal magnetic field is produced by the orbital motion of electrons, not influenced by external fields.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics, specifically energy levels and spectral lines.
  • Familiarity with the Planck-Einstein relation E=hf=hc/λ.
  • Knowledge of angular momentum and magnetic moment calculations.
  • Concept of internal versus external magnetic fields in atomic physics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the sodium doublet and its implications in quantum mechanics.
  • Learn about the calculation of magnetic moments in quantum systems.
  • Explore the concept of internal magnetic fields in atomic structures.
  • Investigate the role of electron spin in determining magnetic properties.
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those focusing on quantum mechanics, atomic structure, and spectroscopy. This discussion is beneficial for anyone studying the behavior of electrons in atoms and their magnetic properties.

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Homework Statement



Excited sodium atoms emit two closely spaced spectrum lines called the sodium doublet with wavelengths 588.995 nm and 589.592 nm. (a) What is the difference in energy between the two upper energy levels (n=3 l=1)? (b) This energy difference occurs because the electrons spin magnetic moment can be oriented either parallel or antiparallel to the internal magnetic field associated with the electron's orbital motion. Use your result in (a) to find the magnitude of this internal magnetic field

Homework Equations



E=hf=hc/λ

Orbital motion: =−(e*L)/2m (Is the e in this formula 1.602*10^-19?)

The Attempt at a Solution



For (a), I think the energy difference is simply caused by the difference in wavelength: which is 0.597 nm. E=hc/λ gives E=3.3*10-16 J. Is this correct?
However, for the second part (b), I don't really know how to tackle the problem.
E=μ(orb)*B
So B=E/μ i guess. To know what μ is, first I should determine L: which is (√(l(l+1)))*h/2π
Can anybody tell me if I'm working in the right way?
L=1.49*10^-34
so μ=-1.31*10-23?
Giving B=2.5*107
Is this correct?
 
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Hmm, I see they ask INTERNAL magnetic field. Now it just crossed my mind that I remember something as
Btotal=Bint+Bext
Is this true? What should I do with it? Does that mean that Bint is just the half of Btotal?
 
First, the energy difference is not right.
If E1=hc/λ1 and E2=hc/λ2, the difference E1-E2 is NOT hc/Δλ.

Then they are talking about the magnetic moment associated with the electron's spin, aren't they?
What is the spin magnetic moment? It is not calculated by using the orbital quantum number.

And there is no external field. "Internal" here means produced by the orbital motion of electrons in the atom.
 

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