No. of possible electron transitions in hydrogen in magnetic field

In summary, a hydrogen atom in the n=3 state will have three possible transitions in the absence of a magnetic field: n=3 to n=2, n=3 to n=1, and n=2 to n=1. However, when a magnetic field is present, the energy levels will be split due to the interaction with the electron angular momenta. This is known as the Zeeman Effect and results in unique energy levels for each angular momentum state.
  • #1
Newtonz
1
0

Homework Statement


A hydrogen atom is in the n=3 state. Given that a magnetic field is present, how many photons of different energy can we observe when the atom de-excites to the ground state?

Homework Equations


quantum number, angular momentum quantum number, orbital magnetic quantum number

The Attempt at a Solution


So far, I am aware in the absence of a magnetic field, there should be three possible transitions: n=3 to n=2, n=3 to n=1, and n=2 to n=1. I know that a magnetic field will cause there to be orbital magnetic quantum number. However, may I know whether electrons in the same n-state but with different angular momentum quantum number and orbital magnetic quantum number have different energy levels? For example, are energy levels of electron in the state: [n=3, l=2, m[itex]_{l}[/itex]=1] different from [n=3, l=2, m[itex]_{l}[/itex]=-1]?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Welcome to PF;
Magnetic fields interact with the electron angular momenta ... thus splitting the energy levels.
So yes - each angular momentum state now has a unique energy where before you had degenerate states.
The question is basically testing your knowledge of this ...

Look up "splitting" and "hyperfine splitting".
But what I think you really want is "Zeeman Effect".
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/quantum/zeeman.html
 

FAQ: No. of possible electron transitions in hydrogen in magnetic field

1. What is the effect of a magnetic field on the number of possible electron transitions in hydrogen?

The presence of a magnetic field can split the energy levels of an atom, resulting in additional possible electron transitions. This is known as the Zeeman effect.

2. How many possible electron transitions are there in hydrogen in the absence of a magnetic field?

In the absence of a magnetic field, hydrogen has a single energy level corresponding to the ground state. Therefore, there is only one possible electron transition in this case.

3. How does the strength of the magnetic field affect the number of possible electron transitions in hydrogen?

The strength of the magnetic field directly impacts the number of possible electron transitions. As the field strength increases, the energy levels split further, resulting in a greater number of possible transitions.

4. Are there any restrictions on the possible electron transitions in hydrogen in a magnetic field?

Yes, the selection rules for electron transitions still apply in the presence of a magnetic field. This means that only transitions that conserve angular momentum and magnetic quantum number are allowed.

5. Can the number of possible electron transitions in hydrogen be calculated?

Yes, the number of possible electron transitions in hydrogen in a magnetic field can be calculated using the formula n^2 - 1, where n is the principal quantum number. This calculation is based on the number of energy levels split by the magnetic field.

Similar threads

Replies
6
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
605
Replies
5
Views
516
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
1K
Back
Top