Possible Dipole Transitions from 5p to 4s in Potassium

  • Thread starter Max Eilerson
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In summary, dipole transitions are a type of electromagnetic radiation that occur when an electron changes energy levels in an atom, resulting in the emission or absorption of a photon. This occurs when an electron jumps from a higher energy level to a lower energy level, and the energy of the transition determines the wavelength of the emitted photon. In potassium, the 5p to 4s dipole transition is important because it produces the characteristic violet color in a flame test. However, dipole transitions can only occur between energy levels with a corresponding energy difference.
  • #1
Max Eilerson
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An electron is excited to the 5p state in potassium, list all the possible dipole transitiosn that can occur as the electron relaxes to the 4s level. (Ignoring fine structure effects)

I've got

5p -> 5s -> 4p -> 4s
5p -> 4s

I'm not sure whether to also include

5p - > 3d -> 5s
3d -> 4p
3d -> 4s
 
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  • #2
All correct except the 5p -> 3d, as l changes by 2. I knew that transitions needed change in l =+- 1 but thought the 5p and 3d states were interchangeable?
 

FAQ: Possible Dipole Transitions from 5p to 4s in Potassium

What is a dipole transition?

A dipole transition is a type of electromagnetic radiation that occurs when an electron in an atom changes energy levels, resulting in the emission or absorption of a photon.

How do dipole transitions occur in atoms?

In atoms, dipole transitions occur when an electron jumps from a higher energy level (i.e. a more distant orbit) to a lower energy level (i.e. a closer orbit). This change in energy level results in the emission or absorption of a photon.

3. What is the relevance of 5p to 4s dipole transitions in potassium?

In potassium, the 5p to 4s dipole transition is important because it is responsible for the characteristic bright violet color of potassium in a flame test. This transition occurs at a specific wavelength, making it useful for identifying the presence of potassium in a sample.

4. How does the energy of a dipole transition relate to the wavelength of the emitted photon?

The energy of a dipole transition is directly proportional to the frequency of the emitted photon. This means that higher energy transitions result in shorter wavelength photons, while lower energy transitions result in longer wavelength photons.

5. Can dipole transitions occur between any energy levels in an atom?

No, dipole transitions can only occur between energy levels that have a difference in energy that corresponds to the energy of a photon. In other words, the energy of the photon emitted or absorbed must match the energy difference between the two energy levels involved in the transition.

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