ATM-31

Term degeneracy

Russell–Saunders term.

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Atomicterm

Governing equation

g=(2S+1)(2L+1)

where

S: S (—)
L: L (—)
g: g (—)

Lecture brief

Historical brief

Balmer, Rydberg, Bohr (1913), fine structure, Zeeman and Stern–Gerlach built the spectrum of one atom. The lab computes levels, selection and magnetic splitting. This sheet (ATM-31 — Term degeneracy) is the form associated with term. Working symbols: $S$ , $L$ $\rightarrow$ $g$ . Russell–Saunders term.

Purpose

Purpose: compute

g

from

S

L

in Atomic physics via

g=(2S+1)(2L+1)

Russell–Saunders term. Use it when a real atomic physics question must be answered in SI before a code check.

Live realistic example

In symbols

Live case. Given

S = 1.000\,\mathrm{—}

L = 1.000\,\mathrm{—}

, the governing relation

g=(2S+1)(2L+1)

yields

g = 9\,\mathrm{—}

. Russell–Saunders term. Move a slider: the numbers are this situation, not a canned story.

Calculator

Inputs

S S1 —L L1 —

Outputs

g g9 —

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Narration of this film

Russell–Saunders term.

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