What do roman numerals mean in spectroscopic data

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SUMMARY

The Roman numerals in spectroscopic data, such as Ne I and Ne IV, indicate the degree of ionization of the element. Specifically, Ne I represents the neutral neon atom, while Ne II denotes the first ionized state of neon. This system of notation is crucial for astronomers and scientists to identify the ionization states of various elements, particularly in the study of gas clouds in space, where different ionization states like H I (neutral hydrogen) and H II (ionized hydrogen) are mapped.

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Astronomers, physicists, and students studying spectroscopy and astrophysics will benefit from this discussion, particularly those interested in the ionization states of elements and their implications in cosmic studies.

a2009
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This is a stupid question, but I'm trying to understand some spectroscopic data from the NIST website.

Can anyone tell me what the roman numerals mean? E.g. when they gives lines for Neon as: Ne I or Ne IV, what do the I and IV mean?

Thanks for any help!
 
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a2009 said:
This is a stupid question, but I'm trying to understand some spectroscopic data from the NIST website.

Can anyone tell me what the roman numerals mean? E.g. when they gives lines for Neon as: Ne I or Ne IV, what do the I and IV mean?

Thanks for any help!

It usually refers to the degree of ionization, and I think that Ne I refers to the neutral atom, and Ne II for example, would be the first ionized stage.
 
Zarqon said:
It usually refers to the degree of ionization, and I think that Ne I refers to the neutral atom, and Ne II for example, would be the first ionized stage.
Quite right. When astronomers study clouds of gas (generally composed of Hydrogen), they can map the distribution of H2 (molecular Hydrogen), HI (unionized Hydrogen), and HII (ionized Hydrogen). If an atomic substance has more than one possible ionization state, those states can be noted by incrementing the Roman numerals.
 

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