Notation on energy level for atoms

In summary, the conversation discusses the use of the symbols F=1 and F=2 in the fine structure of energy levels for Rubidium in atomic physics. The significance of these symbols and their relation to different states, as well as their similarity to the use of J=L+S in spin-orbit coupling, is also mentioned. The reference provided further explains the motivation for using F=I+S, where I is the nuclear magnetic moment operator.
  • #1
KFC
488
4
Hi there,
I am reading an introduction for atomic physics. In one section, it introduces the energy levels for Rubidium and there are some labels like F=1, F=2 etc. shown next to the fine structure of a level . Also refer to http://www.sacher-laser.com/applications/overview/absorption_spectroscopy/rubidium_d2.html, I saw the same symbols. So what is that F=1, F=2 really means? It seems that so many books using the same letter 'F', is that any significance for that? Also, as shown in the reference, for different states ##5S_{1/2}## and ##5P_{3/2}##, there will be F=1 and F=2 for each of them, is that any relation between F=1 for ##5S_{1/2}## and F=1 for ##5P_{3/2}##?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2

FAQ: Notation on energy level for atoms

1. What is the notation used to represent energy levels for atoms?

The notation used to represent energy levels for atoms is the electron configuration, which is written as a series of numbers, letters, and superscripts to indicate the number of electrons in each energy level and sublevel.

2. How is the notation for energy levels determined?

The notation for energy levels is determined by the placement of electrons in an atom's electron shells and subshells. Electrons will fill the lowest available energy levels first before moving to higher levels.

3. What is the significance of the notation for energy levels?

The notation for energy levels is significant because it allows us to understand the electronic structure of an atom and predict its chemical and physical properties. It also helps us determine the reactivity and stability of elements.

4. How does the notation for energy levels relate to the periodic table?

The notation for energy levels is closely related to the periodic table as it follows the pattern of the periodic table's organization. The number of electrons in an atom's outermost energy level determines its position in the periodic table and its chemical properties.

5. Can the notation for energy levels change?

Yes, the notation for energy levels can change when an atom gains or loses electrons, resulting in a different electron configuration. This change in the electron configuration can also affect the atom's chemical and physical properties.

Similar threads

I Hydrogen atom: Energies and eigenstates
Replies
17
Views
1K
I Do atoms recoil when emitting a photon?
2
Replies
38
Views
4K
I Photon Emitted without Changing Energy Levels
Replies
8
Views
898
I What'wrong in this argument? (Atom/Photon interferometry)
Replies
1
Views
798
I Continuous Spectrum and Energy levels of Electrons (Energy Bands)
Replies
7
Views
2K
I Understanding No Energy Degeneracy in Sakurai's Quantum Mechanics
Replies
2
Views
1K
I Weakly interacting electrons in an atom
Replies
2
Views
1K
A How, and in what atoms does the Lamb shift occur?
Replies
8
Views
2K
I Hydrogen Atom Photon Emission Wavelength Formula
Replies
11
Views
3K
I Orbitals and selection rules in a synchrotron
Replies
18
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top