Simple question about total angular momentum in an atom

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The smallest possible value of the total angular momentum quantum number for the 6g state of an electron in a hydrogen atom is 7/2. This is derived from the quantum numbers where L equals 4 for the g state and the electron's spin angular momentum S is 1/2. According to Hund's rules, the total spin angular momentum S should be maximized, and since the electron in hydrogen has a spin of 1/2, the calculation for the minimum total angular momentum J is J_min = L - S = 4 - 1/2.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum numbers (L, S, J)
  • Familiarity with Hund's rules
  • Knowledge of angular momentum in quantum mechanics
  • Basic principles of atomic structure, specifically hydrogen
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of Hund's rules in multi-electron atoms
  • Learn about the significance of quantum numbers in atomic physics
  • Explore the concept of angular momentum in quantum mechanics
  • Review the Pauli exclusion principle and its applications
USEFUL FOR

Students studying quantum mechanics, particularly those focusing on atomic structure and angular momentum, as well as educators preparing materials on electron configurations in hydrogen and other atoms.

jimmypoopins
Messages
64
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Consider the 6g state of an electron in a hydrogen atom.

Enter the smallest possible value of the total angular momentum quantum number.


Homework Equations


hund's rules:
1. the total spin angular momentum S should be maximized to the extent possible without violating the Pauli exclusion principle.
2. Insofar as rule 1 is not violated, L should also be maximized.
3. For atoms having subshells less than half full, J should be minimized.

j=l (+ or -) s

l=4 (for g)


The Attempt at a Solution



I know this is a simple question but i can't seem to comprehend spin very well. I suppose my biggest problem is that i don't know what "s" (spin angular momentum) is and i don't know how to find it out. is it just 1/2 since it's a hydrogen atom?

if that's the case it seems like we need to maximize both l and s, so
j_min=l-s=4-1/2 but if i recall correctly the answers on the multiple choice test were integers (this question is for test corrections)

i can't seem to find out very much information in either my physics book or online sources (wikipedia, etc.) so if someone could point me in the right direction i'd really appreciate it.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
jimmypoopins said:

Homework Statement


Consider the 6g state of an electron in a hydrogen atom.

Enter the smallest possible value of the total angular momentum quantum number.
If this is the question, then the answer is simple.
g means L=4. The electron has spin 1/2, so the minimum J is 4-1/2=7/2.
 

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
2K
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
4K