Question on Russell-Saunders term Symbols

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter luiz1
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Symbols Term
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the Russell-Saunders term symbols in the context of the electronic states of manganese (Mn). The ground state is denoted as 'X', while excited states accessible through electric-dipole transitions are labeled 'A', 'B', 'C', etc. In contrast, states that cannot be reached via these transitions are designated with lowercase letters such as 'a', 'b', and 'c'. The specific notation 'a 6S5/2' indicates a forbidden transition state, while 'y 6P' and 'z 6P' follow the same labeling convention for excited states.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Russell-Saunders coupling in atomic physics
  • Familiarity with electronic configurations and term symbols
  • Knowledge of electric-dipole transitions and their significance
  • Basic grasp of quantum mechanics principles
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of Russell-Saunders coupling on atomic spectra
  • Study the rules governing electric-dipole transitions in quantum mechanics
  • Explore the significance of term symbols in predicting electronic state behavior
  • Investigate the electronic configurations of transition metals, focusing on Mn
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in atomic physics, chemists studying transition metal complexes, and anyone interested in the quantum mechanical behavior of electronic states.

luiz1
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Hello Forum,
I'm reading a paper on the low-lying electronic states of Mn and can't quite figure out the notation. For example, we are told the [Ar]3d54s2 lowest energy configuration gives rise to a 'a 6S5/2' ground state. I understand that the 6S5/2 in terms of the (2S+1)L(J) Russell-Saunders term notation. My question is: what does the 'a' stand for? Similarly, we have excited states of 'y 6P' and 'z 6P'. Again, what do the 'y' and 'z' stand for?

Any help would be appreciated.

Regards,
L
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The ground electronic state is designated X. All excited electronic states that can be reached (electric-dipole-allowed transitions) from the ground state are labelled A, B, C, ..., in order of increasing energy. States that can't be reached (forbidden transitions) are labelled a, b, c, ..., again in order of energy.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Weakly interacting electrons in an atom
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Graduate Pointless in talking about atomic term for a certain micro-state?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Hund's Rule for Determining Term Symbol Energy Order
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Undergrad Total spin from atomic spectroscopy term symbols, e.g. neon's excited states
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
610
Term symbol of a molecule in an excited state
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Help with Atomic Calcium Electron Configurations
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Graduate Russel-Saunders Coupling in Extended Oxides
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Graduate Renormalizability conditions for a real scalar field in d dimensions
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Graduate Electron Configuration from Term Symbols in Lanthanides
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
11K
Showing Consistency with Hund's Rules
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K