Specific parts of the emission spectrum of a sodium lamp

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SUMMARY

The emission spectrum of a sodium lamp prominently features a bright red line, which originates from specific electron transitions within the sodium atom. The analysis reveals that there are no transitions between the s subshell and d subshell, primarily due to the conservation of angular momentum. The discussion highlights the challenges in finding detailed information about these transitions, particularly regarding the red line and the yellow doublet, which is more commonly referenced in literature.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electron energy levels in atoms
  • Familiarity with atomic transitions and emission spectra
  • Knowledge of angular momentum conservation principles
  • Basic concepts of subshells (s and d orbitals)
NEXT STEPS
  • Research sodium's emission spectrum and its characteristic lines
  • Study the principles of angular momentum in quantum mechanics
  • Explore the concept of electron transitions between different subshells
  • Investigate the significance of the sodium yellow doublet in spectroscopy
USEFUL FOR

Students studying atomic physics, physicists interested in spectroscopy, and educators teaching quantum mechanics concepts.

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Homework Statement


Part a) The emission spectrum for Sodium lamp contains a reasonably bright red line in its spectrum. What is its origin?

Part b) The possible transitions between electron energy levels for Sodium were analysed. There were no transitions between the s series (s subshell) and d series (d subshell). Why is that?


Homework Equations


None really.


The Attempt at a Solution



Part a) I analysed the diffuse d series and this red line isn't in it. I also analysed the origin of the famous yellow doublet but that really isn't overly relevant. I've done a heap of browsing the web and books and am yet to find anything at all. Most sources simply talk about the yellow doublet

Part b) As I said, I analysed the diffuse d series but these are all transitions between d orbitals and the 3p energy level. I'm thinking something along the lines of not conserving angular momentum or spin or something would prevent transitions between d and s series but I'm really not sure. As with Part a), the web and books have been useless so far so this is a bit of a last resort.

Thank you kindly in advance.
 
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I found a database with all known wavelengths but I have no real idea of where the red wavelength is so it's so hard to tell.
 
For part b) I was told it's not to do with conservation of spin. Conservation of angular momentum perhaps?
 

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