Summarizing Patterns in Spectra Reveal More Quantization
Summary
- The Zeeman effect—the splitting of lines when a magnetic field is applied—is caused by other quantized entities in atoms.
- Both the magnitude and direction of orbital angular momentum are quantized.
- The same is true for the magnitude and direction of the intrinsic spin of electrons.
Glossary
Zeeman effect
the effect of external magnetic fields on spectral lines
intrinsic spin
the internal or intrinsic angular momentum of electrons
orbital angular momentum
an angular momentum that corresponds to the quantum analog of classical angular momentum
fine structure
the splitting of spectral lines of the hydrogen spectrum when the spectral lines are examined at very high resolution
space quantization
the fact that the orbital angular momentum can have only certain directions
intrinsic magnetic field
the magnetic field generated due to the intrinsic spin of electrons
orbital magnetic field
the magnetic field generated due to the orbital motion of electrons
This lesson is part of:
Atomic Physics
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