Spectroscopic notation



Spectroscopic notation provides various ways to specify atomic atomic and molecular orbitals.

Ionization states

carbon.

Atomic and molecular orbitals

Before alkali metals. Letters for subsequent values of l were assigned in alphabetical order, omitting the letter "j":[2][3][4]

letter name l
s sharp 0
p principal 1
d diffuse 2
f fundamental 3
g 4
h 5
... ...

This notation is used to specify orbital quantum number is applied to the total orbital angular momentum associated to an electron state.[4]

Mnemonic

One mnemonic phrase for remembering the sequence S. P. D. F. G. H. ... is "Sober Physicists Don't Find Giraffes Hiding In Kitchens Like Mine". One is expected to remember that after the M, the letters in the sequence are alphabetical.

There are a few other mnemonic phrases for remembering the sequence, for example:

  • Some Poor Damn Fool
  • Smart People Don't Fail
  • Silly People Drive Fast

Another mnemonic is: if you don't memorize the proper order, you will get a SPeeDy F!

Molecular Spectroscopic Notation

The spectroscopic notation of molecules uses Greek letters to represent the modulus of the orbital angular momentum along the internuclear axis. The quantum number that represents this momentum is the Λ.

Λ=0,1,2,3,... Symbols: Σ,Π,Δ,Φ

For Σ states, one denotes if there is a reflection in a plane containing the nuclei (symmetric), using the + above. The - is used to indicate that there is not.

For Homonuclear Diatomics, the index g or u denotes the existence of an inversion center.

See also

References

  1. ^ p. 92, Guide to the Sun, Kenneth J. H. Phillips, Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 1992. ISBN 052139788X.
  2. ^ §12-7, An Introduction to Quantum Physics, Anthony Philip French and Edwin Floriman Taylor, CRC Press, 1979. ISBN 0748740783.
  3. ^ §7.12, Stellar Atmospheres, J. B. Tatum, online book. Accessed on line September 19, 2007.
  4. ^ a b Spectroscopic notation, web page at http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/, accessed on line September 19, 2007.
 
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