What are the energy states of a hydrogen atom in a B field?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The energy states of a hydrogen atom in a magnetic field (B field) split into two distinct levels due to the Zeeman effect. This phenomenon arises from the two possible projections of the electron's magnetic moment. The discussion confirms that the 1s hydrogen atom experiences this splitting, leading to a quantized energy state configuration influenced by the external magnetic field.

PREREQUISITES
  • Quantum mechanics fundamentals
  • Understanding of the Zeeman effect
  • Knowledge of atomic structure, specifically hydrogen atom configurations
  • Familiarity with magnetic moment concepts
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the Zeeman effect in detail
  • Explore quantum mechanics principles related to magnetic fields
  • Study the implications of magnetic moment in atomic physics
  • Investigate energy level splitting in other atoms under magnetic fields
USEFUL FOR

Students of quantum mechanics, physicists studying atomic interactions, and researchers interested in the effects of magnetic fields on atomic energy states.

jhendren
Messages
34
Reaction score
0
If a a 1s hydrogen atom is placed in a B field, how many energy states will it split into?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hello jhendren,

I think in quantum theory it will split into two levels, corresponding to two terms due to two possible projections of the proper magnetic moment of the electron.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeeman_effect
 

Similar threads

Undergrad General solution of the hydrogen atom Schrödinger equation
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Undergrad Two hydrogen atoms and Pauli's exclusion principle
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
Undergrad Hydrogen atom: Energies and eigenstates
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
Undergrad Matrix element in problem with hydrogen atom
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad Is the magnetic moment of a hydrogen atom not equal to Bohr's magneton?
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
3K
Undergrad Is the potential energy always negative in the ground state of a hydrogen atom?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Undergrad Degenerated perturbation theory
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Graduate Proton Precession in Hydrogen-Rich Liquids
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Undergrad Does putting a hydrogen atom in a box mix angular momentum states?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad 3p->2s: Why spectral line split into three lines in m. field
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K