Terms Allowed in Spectroscopic Structure of Calcium

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the impossibility of having the term 4s^2 3S1 for calcium due to the Pauli Exclusion Principle (PEP). It is clarified that two electrons in the same orbital must have opposite spins, resulting in a total spin (S) of 0 rather than the proposed S = 1. Consequently, the term 3S1 cannot exist because it suggests a total spin that contradicts this principle. The conversation highlights a common misunderstanding regarding electron configurations and their implications for term symbols. Understanding these foundational concepts is crucial for studying atomic structure and electron behavior.
jeffbarrington
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Homework Statement


Why can't we have 4s^2 3S1 calcium? I've looked up a table of terms and this is never given, so I guess we can't have it. Why can't the spins of each of the outer electrons add to give S = 1, J = 1, and a degeneracy of 3? I guess the answer must be pretty basic since nobody has asked about this that I can find, so what's going on?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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I think this one is simple: Two electrons in the same orbital implies S=0 because the spins must be opposite.
 
Charles Link said:
I think this one is simple: Two electrons in the same orbital implies S=0 because the spins must be opposite.
Oh yeah, completely forgot about the PEP! Thanks for taking your time to answer my dumb question!
 
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