Allowed Transition from 2s^2 to 2p^2 in Hydrogen: Why is it Missing?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion addresses the absence of an allowed electric dipole transition from the 2s² S1/2 state to the 2p² P3/2 state in hydrogen. The selection rules, specifically Δl = ±1 and Δj = 0, ±1, appear to be satisfied. However, the transition is not observed in optical spectra, indicating it likely occurs in the radio frequency region, which is not represented in the provided diagram.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics and atomic structure
  • Familiarity with electric dipole transitions
  • Knowledge of selection rules in quantum transitions
  • Basic concepts of spectral regions (optical vs. radio frequency)
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of selection rules on atomic transitions
  • Explore the characteristics of electric dipole transitions in hydrogen
  • Investigate the differences between optical and radio frequency transitions
  • Study the quantum mechanical treatment of multi-electron atoms
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, particularly those specializing in atomic and quantum physics, as well as students seeking to deepen their understanding of atomic transitions and selection rules.

barnflakes
Messages
156
Reaction score
4
Why is there no allowed transition from the 2s^2 S_{\frac{1}{2}} state to the 2p^2 P_{\frac{3}{2}} state in the attached image? It seems to fulfill the selection rules \Delta l = \pm 1 and \Delta j = 0, \pm 1. This is for electric dipole transitions by the way.
 

Attachments

  • untitled.GIF
    untitled.GIF
    8.3 KB · Views: 663
Physics news on Phys.org
I guess that only optical transitions are shown in the diagram while this transition would be somewhere in the radio frequency region.
 

Similar threads

Graduate Confused about selection rules in optical transitions
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
2K
Undergrad Changes in angular momentum for ro-vibrational transitions
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Graduate Are \(\Delta n = 0\) Transitions Allowed in Hydrogen Atom Selection Rules?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Undergrad Hydrogen electron transition intensity 2p - 1s
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Undergrad Orbitals and selection rules in a synchrotron
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
Undergrad How can ΔJ = 0 for an electric dipole transition?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Graduate Qualitative explanation of radiative transitions and selection rules.
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Graduate Why is the 4p to 3s Transition Not Allowed in the Grotrian Diagram for Hydrogen?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Undergrad P & Q branches confusion in rovibrational transitions + rant
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
Is this transition allowed or forbidden?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K