Predicting the normal Zeeman pattern of a transition ( ) of a hypothetical electron…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · Fermi University Physics · Atomic, Molecular & Optical Physics · Radiative transitions, external fields and collisions · Radiative transitions, external fields and collisions
Reading the Spectrum, Ch Atoms in a magnetic field: moments, the Zeeman effect and the Paschen-Back limit
Problem
Predicting the normal Zeeman pattern of a d→p transition (l=2→l=1) of a hypothetical electron with no spin in a field B=1.5T, someone argues: "The upper level has 2(2)+1=5 sublevels and the lower level has 2(1)+1=3 sublevels. Since every sublevel gives its own line in the spectrum, the transition produces 5+3=8 spectral lines when the field is switched on."
((a)) Identify the error in this reasoning.
((b)) Give the correct number of spectral lines and their positions, in cm−1 relative to the unshifted line, at B=1.5T.