Re: pinhole about quantum numbers

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From: Paul Doherty (pauld@exploratorium.edu)
Date: Fri Nov 19 1999 - 13:10:49 PST 

Message-Id: <l0311070db45b6b3d29b7@[192.174.2.173]>
Date: Fri, 19 Nov 1999 13:10:49 -0800
From: Paul Doherty <pauld@exploratorium.edu>
Subject: Re: pinhole about quantum numbers

The quantization of atomic energy levels is split into three terms
a radius quantization which is determined by the principle quantum number n,
n = 1,2,3 ...

an angular quantization for the angle theta measured from the z axis which
is determined by the angular momentum quantum number l
l = o is called s, l= 1 is called p etc

and finally an angular quantization for the angle phi measures around the z
axis which is determined by the "magnetic" quantum number, m.
m ranges from -l to +1 for example for the 2p state there are three values
of m, -1,0,1 which leads to the three 2p energy levels.

In a hydrogen atom free of magnetic fields, all of the m levels have the
same energy. However put the hydrogen atom in a magnetic field and the
energy levels specified by m change.

Paul D

Paul "But it is more complicated than that!" Doherty,
Senior Staff Scientist, The Exploratorium.
pauld@exploratorium.edu, www.exo.net/~pauld

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