Why is the 4p to 3s Transition Not Allowed in the Grotrian Diagram for Hydrogen?

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SUMMARY

The Grotrian diagram for Hydrogen indicates that the transition from 4p to 3s is not allowed, while transitions such as 4s to 3p, 4p to 3d, and 4d to 3p are permitted. The discussion highlights a discrepancy in established rules of Δl=±1 and Δm=0,±1, which seem to support the 4p to 3s transition. However, the consensus is that this transition is incorrectly omitted from the diagram, as corroborated by references to authoritative sources like the NIST Atomic Spectra Database.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of atomic transitions and selection rules (Δl and Δm)
  • Familiarity with Grotrian diagrams and their applications in spectroscopy
  • Knowledge of quantum mechanics principles related to electron configurations
  • Access to the NIST Atomic Spectra Database for reference
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the NIST Atomic Spectra Database for detailed transition data
  • Study the principles of selection rules in quantum mechanics
  • Examine Grotrian diagrams for other elements to compare transition rules
  • Investigate the implications of incorrect transitions in atomic spectroscopy
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Students of physics, researchers in atomic spectroscopy, and educators seeking to clarify atomic transition rules in Grotrian diagrams.

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Why is it that in Grotrian diagram only the 4p->3s is not allowed, but the 4s->3p, 4p-> 3d and 4d-> 3p are allowed ? I'm following the rules of Δl=±1 and Δm=0,±1 and they give the same numbers. I also tried with Δj=0,±1 and still the same.

Grotrian Diagram for Hydrogen for n=[1,4];
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Grotrian_H.svg#/media/File:Grotrian_H.svg
 
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The diagram is in error. The 4p->3s is allowed and should be present.
 
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Likes   Reactions: Lord Jestocost
Both my physics books and the ones I've seen on the internet have it like this though
 

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