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What is the term symbol for s1 p1 can you show and explain hot
Accepted Answer
The term symbol for an atom with one electron in the s orbital and one electron in the p orbital is ²P₁/₂. Here's how to understand it:
²: This superscript indicates the spin multiplicity, which is calculated as 2S + 1, where S is the total spin angular momentum. For two electrons with parallel spins, S = 1, resulting in a spin multiplicity of 2(1) + 1 = 3. This is called a triplet state. However, for two electrons with opposite spins, S = 0, resulting in a spin multiplicity of 2(0) + 1 = 1, which is called a singlet state. In this case, we have one electron in the s orbital and one in the p orbital, both with spin up, resulting in a multiplicity of 2.
P: This letter refers to the total orbital angular momentum (L). For a p orbital, L = 1.
₁/₂: This subscript represents the total angular momentum (J), which is the vector sum of the orbital angular momentum (L) and the spin angular momentum (S). In this case, J = L + S = 1 + ½ = ³/₂. Since we are dealing with a doublet state (spin multiplicity of 2), the possible values of J are L + S and L - S, so in our case the possible values of J are 3/2 and 1/2. The lower value, 1/2, is the ground state term symbol.
Therefore, the term symbol for the atom is ²P₁/₂.
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