CHAPTER 04

ATOMIC STRUCTURE

96

CHAPTER 4
ATOMIC STRUCTURE
BOHRS THEORY OF HYDROGEN ATOM
Example 4-1
Determine the radius of the first orbit of the hydrogen atom.
Solution
The radius of electron in nth orbit of hydrogen atom is given by
n2h2
rn =
4 2 me 2 k
(1) 2 (6.626 10 34 ) 2
r1 =
4 2 (9.109 10 19 )(1.602 10 19 ) 2 (8.988 10 9 )
r1 = 5.287 10 11 m 0.53
Example 4-2
Find the value of quantum number n for a hydrogen atom
that has an orbital radius of 847 pm.
Solution
The radius of in nth orbit of hydrogen atom is given by
rn = 5.3 10 11 n 2 in metres
rn
847 10 12
=
= 4 the desired quantum
5.3 10 11
5.3 10 11
number.
Example 4-3
Determine the speed of electron in 10th orbit of hydrogen
atom.
B.U. B.Sc. (Hons.) 1984A
Solution
The velocity of electron in nth orbit of hydrogen atom is given
by
2 k e 2
vn =
nh
n=

CHAPTER 04 ATOMIC STRUCTURE

97
9
19 2
2 (8.988 10 )(1.602 10 )
v10 =
= 2.187 10 5 m / s
34
(10)(6.626 10 )
the desired speed.
Example 4-4
Find the de Broglie wavelength of an electron in the n = 3
orbit of hydrogen atom. In what region of the spectrum
would a photon of the same wavelength be classified?
Solution
The velocity of electron in nth orbit of hydrogen atom is given
2 k e 2
2 k e 2
by
vn =
or v3 =
for n = 3.
3h
n h
The de Broglie wavelength is defined as
h
h
3h 2
= =
=
p m v3 2 m k e 2

3(6.626 10 34 ) 2
2 (9.109 10 31 )(8.988 109 (1.602 10 19 ) 2
= 9.977 10 10 m 10
The photon of this wavelength belongs to X-ray region.
Example 4-5
Calculate the frequency of electron in the first Bohr orbit of
hydrogen atom.
B.U. B.Sc. 2004A
Solution
The velocity of electron in terms of radius is given by
nh
v=
2 m r
The orbital frequency is given by
f = (speed of electron) (circumference of orbit)
nh
1
nh
f =

=
2 m r 2r 4 2 mr 2
n2h2
But r =
therefore
4 2 me 2 k

CHAPTER 04

ATOMIC STRUCTURE
2

98

4 me k
nh 4 me k
=

3 3
4 2 m n 2 h 2
n h

2
31
19 4
4 (9.109 10 )(1.602 10 ) (8.988 10 9 ) 2
f =
(1) 3 (6.626 10 34 ) 3
2

f =

= 6.577 1015 Hz

Example 4-6
On the average, an atom will exist in an excited state for
10 8 second, before it makes a downward transition and
emits a photon. Assuming that the electron in hydrogen is in
the state n = 2, how many revolutions about the nucleus are
made before the electron jumps to the ground state?
Solution
The time period T of electron in nth orbit is given by
1
n 3h 3
T= =
f 4 2 me 4 k 2

(2)3 (6.626 1034 )

4 2 (9.109 10 31 )(1.602 1019 ) 4 (8.988 109 ) 2
T = 1.216 10 15 s
Number of revolutions completed by electron is given by
Time in excited state
10 8
=
= 8.224 10 6 Revolutions
Time period
1.216 10 15
Example 4-7
Show that the energy of electron in nth for hydrogen atom is
13.6
given by E n = 2 eV.
n
Solution
The energy of electron in nth orbit is given by
2 2 me 4 k 2
in joules
En =
n2h2
T=

CHAPTER 04 ATOMIC STRUCTURE

99
2
3 2
2 me k
En =
in eV
n2h2
2 2 (9.109 10 31 )(1.602 10 19 ) 3 (8.988 10 9 ) 2
En =
n 2 (6.626 10 34 ) 2
13.6
En = 2 in eV
n
Example 4-8
Calculate the binding energy of the hydrogen atom in the
first excited state.
Solution
The energy of electron in nth orbit is given by
13.6
En = 2 in eV
n
For first excited state we substitute n = 2, therefore
13.6
E2 = 2 = 3.4 eV
( 2)
Hence the binding energy of the hydrogen atom in the first
excited state is 3.4 eV.
Example 4-9
Calculate the energy of the electron for first two excited
states of hydrogen atom. What will be the wavelength of
emitted (or absorbed) radiation if an electron makes a
transition between these two states?
Solution
(a) The energy of electron in nth orbit is given by
13.6
En = 2 in eV
n
The energy of the first two excited states can be calculated by
substituting n = 2 and n = 3 respectively. Hence
13.6
n = 2 , E2 = 2 = 3.4 eV
(2)
13.6
n = 3 , E3 = 2 = 1.51 eV
(3)

CHAPTER 04

ATOMIC STRUCTURE
hc
(b)Now E3 E2 = h =

100

hc
(6.626 10 34 )(2.998 10 8 )
=
=
E3 E 2 {1.51 (3.4)}(1.602 10 19 )
= 6.561 10 7 m or 6561

Example 4-10
Calculate the first, second and third excitation energies for
hydrogen atom.
Solution
The energy of electron in nth orbit is given by
13.6
En = 2 in eV
n
Now n = 1, E1 = (13.6) /(1) 2 = 13.6 eV
n = 2, E 2 = (13.6) /(2) 2 = 3.4 eV
n = 3, E3 = (13.6) /(3) 2 = 1.51 eV
n = 4,

E 4 = (13.6) /(4) 2 = 0.85 eV

Let 1, 2 and 3 be the first, second and third excitation

energies of the hydrogen atom, then

1= E E = 3.4 (13.6) = 10.2 eV

2= E E = 1.51 (13.6) = 12.09 eV
3= E E = 0.85 (13.6) = 12.75 eV
2

Example 4-11
Calculate the value of Rydberg constant for hydrogen atom.
Solution
The Rydberg constant is defined by
2 2 k 2 me 4
R=
ch3
2 2 (8.988 109 ) 2 (9.109 1031 )(1.602 10 19 ) 4
R=
(2.998 108 )(6.626 1034 )3
R = 1.097 107 m 1

CHAPTER 04 ATOMIC STRUCTURE

101
Example 4-12
The wavelength of the first line of Lyman series of hydrogen
atom is 1216 . Calculate the wavelength of third line.
B.U. B.Sc. 1990A
Solution
The wavelength of different members of the Lyman series of
hydrogen atom is given by
1
1
1
= R 2 2 , n = 2,3,4,.
n
n
1
For the first member n = 2 , therefore
1
1 3R
1
= R 2 2 =
1216
2 4
1
1 -1
4

R=
==
(3)1216)
912
For the third member n = 4 and formula for Lyman series
becomes
1
1 15R 15 1
5
1
= R 2 2 =
=
=
3
4 16 16 912 4864
1
4864
3 =
= 972.8
5
Example 4-13
The wavelength of the first line of Lyman series of hydrogen
atom is 1216 . Calculate the wavelength of 5th line.
B.U. B.Sc. 1992A
Solution
The wavelength of different members of the Lyman series of
hydrogen atom is given by
1
1
1
= R 2 2 , n = 2,3,4,.
n
n
1
For the first member n = 2 , therefore
4
1 -1
1
1 3R
1
or R =
=

= R 2 2 =
(3)1216)
912
1216
2 4
1

CHAPTER 04 ATOMIC STRUCTURE

102
For the fifth member n = 6 and formula for Lyman series
becomes
1
1 35R 35 1
35
1
= R 2 2 =
=

=
3
36 912 32832
6 36
1
32832
3 =
= 938
35
Example 4-14
The wavelength of the first member of Balmer series of the
hydrogen atom is 6563 . Calculate the wavelength of the
first member of Lyman series in the same spectrum.
B.U. B.Sc. 2009A
Solution
The formula for Balmer series of hydrogen atom is
1
1
1
= R 2 2
, n = 3,4,5, . . .

n
2
For first member of this series we substitute n = 3
1
1 1 5R
= R 2 2 =
1
2 3 36
36
1 =
(1)
5R
The Lyman series is given by
1
1
1
= R 2 2
, n = 2,3,4, . . . .

n
1
For first member of this series we substitute n = 2
1
1 3R
1
= R 2 2 =
1
2 4
1
4
1 =
(2)
3R
Divide Eq(2) by Eq(1)
1 4 5R 5
= =
1 3R 36 27

CHAPTER 04 ATOMIC STRUCTURE

103
51 5(6563)
1 =
=
= 1215.37
27
27
Example 4-15
Calculate the longest and shortest wavelength i.e. series
limit of the Lyman series.
Solution
The Lyman series is given by
1
1
1
= R 2 2
, n = 2, 3, 4 . . .

n
1
For longest wavelength, substitute n = 2
1
1 3R
1
= R 2 2 =

2 4
1

4
3R

4
= 121.5 10 9 m = 1215
7
3(1.097 10 )
For series limit, substitute n =

1
1
1
1
= R 2 2 = R 1
=R
2

n
1
()
1
1
= =
= 912 10 10 m = 912
7
R 1.097 10
Example 4-16
Calculate the longest wavelength in Balmer series. Also find
the value of the shortest wavelength.
B.U. B.Sc. 1988S
Solution
The formula for Balmer series of hydrogen atom is
1
1
1
= R 2 2
, n = 3,4,5,.

n
2
Substitute n = 3
1
1 5R
1
= R 2 2 =

3 36
2

CHAPTER 04 ATOMIC STRUCTURE

104
36
36
=
=
= 6.563 10 7 m = 6563
7
5 R 5(1.097 10 )
Substitute n = in above formula
1
1 R
1
= R 2 2 =

4
2
4
4
= =
= 3.646 10 7 m = 3646
7
R 1.097 10
The desired longest and shortest wavelengths are 6563 and
3636 respectively.
Example 4-17
Calculate the longest and shortest wavelength i.e. series
limit of the Paschen series. .
B.U. B.Sc. 1991A
Solution
The formula for Paschen series of hydrogen atom is
1
1
1
= R 2 2
, n =4,5,6, . . .

n
3
Substitute n = 4
1
1 7R
1
= R 2 2 =

4 144
3

144
144
=
7 R 7(1.097 107 )
= 1.875 10 6 m = 1875 nm = 18750
Substitute n = in above formula
1
1 R
1
= R 2 2 =

9
3
9
9
= =
R 1.097 107
= 8.204 107 m = 820.4nm = 8204
The desired longest and shortest wavelengths are 1875 nm and
820.4 nm respectively.

CHAPTER 04 ATOMIC STRUCTURE

105
Example 4-18
Determine the largest wavelength when excited electron
make transition to n = 4 level.
K.U. B.Sc. 2001
Solution
The wavelength of the emitted photon will; be the longest when
electron jumps from n = 5 to n = 4. Hence
1
1 9R
1
= R 2 2 =

4 5 400

400
400
=
9 R 9(1.097 107 )
= 4.051 106 m = 4051 nm
Note that this is the longest wavelength in Brackett series of
Hydrogen atom.
Example 4-19
Compute the first three wavelengths for the Paschen series
of hydrogen. In what region of the spectrum do the lines of
Paschen series lie?
Solution
The formula for Paschen series of hydrogen atom is
1
1
1
= R 2 2
, n =4,5,6, . . .

n
3
1
1 7R
1
= R 2 2 =
Substitute n = 4 ,
1
4 144
3
144
144
1 =
=
7 R 7(1.097 107 )
1 = 1.875 10 6 m = 1875 nm
1
1 16 R
1
Substitute n = 5 ,
= R 2 2 =
2
5 225
3
225
225
=
2 =
16 R 16(1.097 10 7 )

2 = 1.282 10 6 m = 1282 nm

CHAPTER 04

ATOMIC STRUCTURE
106
1
1 R
1
Substitute n = 6 ,
= R 2 2 =
3
6 12
3
12
12
3 = =
= 1.094 10 6 m = 1094 nm
R 1.097 10 7
The wavelengths of desired lines are 1875 nm, 1282 nm and
1094 nm. These lines lie in the infrared region of the spectrum.
Example 4-20
Find the wavelength of the spectral line corresponding to
the transition in hydrogen atom from n = 6 to n = 3 state
where R = 1.097 10 7 m -1 .
B.U. B.Sc. 1991S
Solution
The desired line is the third line in Paschen series. The Paschen
series is given by
1
1
1
= R 2 2
, n =4,5,6, . . .

n
3
Substitute n = 6
1
1 R
1
= R 2 2 =

6 12
3
12
12
=
R 1.097 107
= 1.0939 10 6 m = 1093.9nm = 10939

Example 4-21
In the hydrogen atom, an electron experiences a transition
from a state whose binding energy is 0.54 eV to another
state whose excitation energy is 12.2 eV. (a) What are the
quantum numbers for these states? (b) Compute the
wavelength of the emitted photon. (c) To what series does
this line belong?
K.U. B.Sc. 2008
Solution
The binding energy of the electron is given by
13.6
E n = 2 in eV
n

CHAPTER 04 ATOMIC STRUCTURE

(a)The above equation can be rewritten as
13.6
n=
En

107

13.6
= 5.
0.54
The binding energy 0.54 eV corresponds to the state n = 5. Note
that the binding energy of the state n = 1 is 13.6 eV. As the
excitation energy is given as 10.2 eV, therefore
E n = 13.6 10.2 = 3.4 eV
Now E n = 0.54 eV, therefore n =

13.6
=2
3.4
i.e. the given excitation energy corresponds to state n = 2.
hc
(b) E2 E5 = 3.4 0.54 = 2.86 eV =

Hence

n=

hc
=
2.86 eV
(6.626 10 34 )(2.998 108 )
=
= 4.336 10 7 m
19
(2.86)(1.602 10 )
= 4336 the wavelength of the emitted photon.
(c) As the wavelength of the emitted photon is in the visible
region, therefore it belongs to Balmer series of the hydrogen
atom.

Example 4-22
A collection of hydrogen atoms in the ground state is
illuminated with ultraviolet light of wavelength 59.0 nm.
Find the kinetic energy of the emitted electron.
Solution
The energy of the incident photon is given by
h c (6.626 1034 )(2.998 108 )
E=
=
= 3.367 1018 J
9

59.0 10

CHAPTER 04 ATOMIC STRUCTURE

108
18
3.367 10
E=
eV = 21.0 eV
1.602 1019
The energy needed to separate the electron from hydrogen atom
is given by
E1 = 13.6 eV

The kinetic energy of the emitted electron will be

K = E E1 = 21.0 13.6 = 7.4 eV

CHAPTER 04

ATOMIC STRUCTURE

109

4-2 HYDROGEN-LIKE ATOMS

Example 4-23
How much energy is required to remove the electron from a
singly ionized helium atom (He+1) in its ground state?
Solution
The energy of electron in nth orbit for hydrogen-like atom is
given by

2 2 me 4 k 2 Z 2
(13.6) Z 2
=

in eV
n2h2
n2
Now n = 1 and Z = 2, therefore the desired energy is
(13.6)(2) 2
E1 =
= 54.4 eV
(1) 2
Example 4-24
Apply the Bohrs theory to He+ and calculate for n = 1
(a) the radius, (b) the frequency of revolution, (c) the linear
speed of the electron, (d) the total energy of the electron, (d)
the angular momentum and (e) the ratio v/c, and (f) decide
whether the classical treatment can be used or not.
Solution
(a) The radius of nth orbit of electron in hydrogen-like atom is
given by
n2h2
(5.287 10 11 )n 2
rn =
=
Z
4 2 k m Z e 2
Substitute n = 1, Z = 2 in above equation
(5.287 10 11 )(1) 2
r1 =
= 2.644 10 11 m
2
(b) The orbital frequency of the electron in hydrogen-like atom
is given by
4 2 m k 2 Z 2 e 4
fn =
n3h3
4 2 (9.109 1031 )(8.988 109 )(2) 2 (1.602 10 19 ) 4
f1 =
(1)3 (6.626 10 34 )
En =

CHAPTER 04

ATOMIC STRUCTURE

110

16

= 2.631 10 Hz the desired frequency.

(c) The velocity of electron in nth orbit of hydrogen-like atom is
given by
2 k Z e 2
vn =
nh
2 (8.988 109 )(2)(1.602 1019 ) 2
v1 =
(1)(6.626 10 34 )
1 = 4.375 106 m / s
(d) The energy of electron in nth orbit for hydrogen-like atom is
given by

2 2 me 4 k 2 Z 2
(13.6) Z 2
=

in eV
n2h2
n2
(13.6)(2) 2
E1 =
= 54.4 eV
(1) 2
(e) The angular momentum of electron in first orbit is given by
L1 = m v1 r1 = (9.109 10 31 )(4.375 10 6 )(2.644 10 11 )
= 1.054 1034 kg m 2 s 1
En =

v 4.375 10 6
=
= 0.015 As the ratio (v/c) is small i.e. v
c 2.998 10 8
is very small as compared with c, therefore classical treatment is
applicable.
Example 4-25
Determine the radius of the second Bohr orbit for doubly
ionized Lithium.
Solution
The radius of nth orbit for Hydrogen-like atom is given by
n 2r
rn = 1
Z
where r1 = 0.53 is the radius of the first Bohr orbit of
Hydrogen atom. Hence
(2) 2 (0.53)
r2 =
= 0.706
3
(f)

CHAPTER 04 ATOMIC STRUCTURE

111
Example 4-26
How much energy is required to remove the electron from a
doubly ionized lithium atom (Li+2) in its ground state?
Solution
The energy of electron in nth orbit for hydrogen-like atom is
given by

2 2 me 4 k 2 Z 2
(13.6) Z 2
En =
=
in eV
n2h2
n2
Now n = 1 and Z = 3, therefore the desired energy is
(13.6)(3) 2
E1 =
= 122.4 eV
(1) 2
Example 4-27
(a) Compute the first and second excitation potentials for
singly ionized helium atom. (b) What wavelengths are
emitted when the He+ returns to the ground state from these
excited states?
Solution
The energy of electron in nth orbit for hydrogen-like atom is
given by
2 2 me 4 k 2 Z 2
(13.6) Z 2
=

in eV
n2h2
n2
(13.6)(2) 2
54.4
=
= 2 eV for He+
2
n
n
54.4
Now n = 1 , E1 = 2 = 54.4 eV
(1)
54.4
n = 2 , E 2 = 2 = 13.6 eV
( 2)
54.4
n = 3 , E3 = 2 = 6.04 eV
(3)
En =

Let 1 and 2 be the first and second excitation energies of the

He+ atom, then

CHAPTER 04

1= E
2= E

ATOMIC STRUCTURE

112

E1 = 13.6 (54.4) = 40.8 eV

E1 = 6.04 (54.4) = 48.46 eV

The desired excitation potentials are 40.8 V and 48.46 V.
hc (6.626 10 34 )(2.998 10 8 )
(b) Now 1 = hc or 1 =
=
1
(40.8)(1.602 10 19 )
1
3

1 = 3.039 10 8 m 304

2 = hc
2

or 2 =

hc

21

(6.626 10 34 )(2.998 10 8 )
(48.46)(1.602 10 19 )

1 = 2.559 10 8 m 256
Example 4-28
Determine the wavelength of the first two lines of singly
ionized helium that corresponds to the first two lines of the
Balmer series.
Solution
The formula for Balmer series of hydrogen-like atom is
1
1
1
= R Z2 2 2
, n = 3,4,5,..

n
2
For singly ionized helium Z = 2 and above equation becomes
1
1
1
= 4 R 2 2 , n = 3,4,5,..

n
2
The desired wavelengths are calculated by substituting n = 3
and n = 4 respectively in above relation. Now
1
1 1 5R
= 4R 2 2 =
1
2 3 9
9
9
1 =
=
= 1.641 10 7 m = 1641
7
5 R 5(1.097 10 )
1
1 3R
1
= 4R 2 2 =
2
4 4
2
4
4
2 =
=
= 1.215 10 7 m = 1215
3R 3(1.097 10 7 )

CHAPTER 04 ATOMIC STRUCTURE

113
Example 4-29
Calculate the wavelengths of first two lines of the Balmer
series of triply ionized Beryllium (Z = 4).
Solution
The formula for Balmer series of Hydrogen-like atom is
1
1
1
= R Z2 2 2
, n = 3,4,5,..

n
2
For present case Z = 4 , therefore
1
1
1
= 16 Z 2 2 2
, n = 3,4,5,..

n
2

1 1 20 R
= 16 R 2 2 =
1
9
2 3
9
9
1 =
=
= 4.10 108 m = 41.0 nm
7
20 R 20(1.097 10 )
1
1
1
n = 4,
= 16 R 2 2 = 3 R
2
4
2
1
1
2 =
=
= 3.04 108 m = 30.4 nm
7
3 R 3(1.097 10 )
Hence the wavelengths of the first two lines of the Balmer
series of triply ionized Beryllium are 41.0 nm and 30.4 nm
respectively.
Example 4-30
An atom of tungsten has all of its electrons removed except
one. (a) Calculate the ground-state energy for this one
remaining electron. (b) Calculate the energy and wavelength
of the radiation emitted when this electron makes a
downward transition from n = 2 to n = 1. (c) In what portion
of the electromagnetic spectrum is this photon?
Solution
(a)The energy of electron in nth orbit for hydrogen-like atom is
given by
Now n = 3,

CHAPTER 04
2

ATOMIC STRUCTURE
4

2 me k Z
(13.6) Z
=
2 2
n h
n2
For tungsten Z = 74, therefore
En =

114

in eV

(13.6)(74) 2
7.44736 10 4
74.5
=

eV 2 keV
2
2
n
n
n
E1 = 74.5 keV the desired ground state energy.
(b) When electron makes a downward transition from n = 2 to
n = 1, the energy E of the emitted photon is given by
En =

1
1
E = E 2 E1 = 74.5 2 2 keV = 55.875 keV 55.9 keV
1
2
The wavelength of the emitted photon is calculated from the
relation
hc (6.626 1034 )(2.998 108 )
=
=
E (55.875 103 )(1.602 1019 )
= 2.219 10 11 m 0.222
(c) The emitted photon belongs to X-rays.

CHAPTER 04

ATOMIC STRUCTURE

115

4-3 THE FRANK-HERTZ EXPERIMENT

Example 4-31
In Franck-Hertz experiment the ionization potential of
sodium is 5.13 V. Calculate the velocity of the electron.
Solution
The kinetic energy of the electron is given by
1
m v 2 = Ve
2

v=

2Ve
=
m

2(5.13)(1.602 10 19 )
= 1.343 10 6 m s 1
31
(9.109 10 )

Example 4-32
What will be the minimum energy of electron to excite
2536 spectral line of mercury in a Franck-Hertz
experiment?
Solution
The minimum kinetic energy of electron to excite a spectral line
of wavelength is given by
hc (6.626 10 34 )(2.998 10 9 )
( K .E.) min =
=

2536 10 10
= 7.833 10 19 J or 4.890 eV

CHAPTER 04

ATOMIC STRUCTURE

116

4-4 ANGULAR MOMENTUM

Example 4-33
Calculate the value of Bohr magneton.
Solution
The Bohr magneton is defined as
eh
eh
B =
or
4 me
2me

B =

(1.602 10 19 )(6.626 10 34 )
= 9.273 10 24 J T 1
31
4 (9.109 10 )

The accepted value of Bohr magneton is 9.274 10 24 J T 1 or

5.778 10 5 eV T 1 .
Example 4-34
Calculate the magnitude of the orbital angular momentum
of an electron in a state with l = 4 .
Solution
The magnitude of orbital angular momentum is given by

L = l(l + 1)h = 4(4 + 1) (1.055 10 34 ) = 4.718 10 34 J s

Example 4-35
Write down the quantum numbers for all the hydrogen
atom states belonging to subshells for which n = 4 and l = 3 .
Solution
Now n = 4 and l = 3 . As
ml = 0, 1 ,2,........... l
therefore the desired magnetic quantum numbers are
ml = 3, 2, 1, 0, 1, 2, 3
1
The spin quantum number is given by m S = .
2

CHAPTER 04 ATOMIC STRUCTURE

117
Example 4-36
A hydrogen state is known to have the quantum
number l = 3 . What are possible n, ml and m S .
Solution
The principal quantum number n must be greater than l
which is 3 for present case. Hence n = 4 and the magnetic
quantum number ml value are as under
ml = 3, 2, 1, 0, 1, 2, 3

1
The spin quantum number is given by m S = .
2
Example 4-37
If an electron in a hydrogen atom is in a state with l = 5 ,
what is the smallest possible angle between L and LZ .
Solution
The minimum angle occurs when ml = l and is given by
cos[ min ] =

cos[ min ] =

LZ
=
L

5
5(5 + 1)

l h
l(l + 1) h

l
l(l + 1)

= 0.91287

min = 24.10 or 240542

Example 4-38
Calculate and tabulate for a hydrogen atom in a state l = 3 ,
the allowed values of LZ , Z and . Find the magnitude of L
and .
Solution
The corresponding values of magnetic quantum number ml for
l = 3 are ml = 3, 2, 1, 0, 1, 2, 3 .The desired values are
calculated and tabulated below. Here we have employed the
following values

CHAPTER 04 ATOMIC STRUCTURE

h = 1.055 10 34 J s and B = 9.274 10 24 J / T

ml

L Z = ml h

Z = ml B

kg m 2 / s

J /T

118

ml
= cos 1

l(l + 1)

34

3.165 10
2.782 10 23
150.0 0
-3
-2
2.110 10 34
1.855 10 23
125.3 0
-1
1.055 10 34
9.274 10 24
106.8 0
0
0
0
90.0 0
1
1.055 10 34
9.274 10 24
73.2 0
2
2.110 10 34
1.855 10 23
54.7 0
3
3.165 10 34
2.782 10 23
30.0 0
The magnitude of orbital angular momentum is given by

L = l(l + 1)h = 3(3 + 1) (1.055 10 34 ) = 3.655 10 34 J s

The magnitude of dipole moment is given by

= B l(l + 1) = (9.274 10 24 )( 3(3 + 1) ) = 3.213 10 23 J / T

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119

4-5 THE ZEEMAN EFFECT

Example 4-39
A hydrogen atom gas is placed in intense magnetic field of
0.8 tesla. Compute the separation between two consecutive
states (Normal Zeeman Effect) when = 5000 .
Solution
The wavelength separation is given by
B2
eB2
eh
eh
=
= B
where B =
or
hc
4 me
2me
4 me c

(9.274 10 24 )(0.8)(5000 10 10 ) 2
(6.626 10 34 )(2.998 10 8 )

= 9.337 10 12 m or 0.0937

Example 4-40
What will be the separation, in , due to normal Zeeman
splitting of 4916 line in the mercury spectrum in a
magnetic field of 0.5 tesla?
Solution
The wavelength separation is given by
B B2 (9.274 10 24 )(0.5)(4916 10 10 )
=
=
hc
(6.626 10 34 )(2.998 10 8 )
= 5.64 10 12 m = 5.64 10 2

Example 4-41
Calculate the wavelengths of the normal Zeeman Effect
triplet of a spectral line 5500 placed in a magnetic field of
10 tesla.
Solution
The wavelength separation is given by
B B2 (9.274 10 24 )(10)(5500 10 10 ) 2
=
=
hc
(6.626 10 34 )(2.998 10 8 )

CHAPTER 04 ATOMIC STRUCTURE

120
10
= 1.412 10 m = 1.412
The wavelengths of Zeeman triplet are
1 = = 5500 1.412 = 5498.588
2 = = 5500
3 = + = 5500 + 1.412 = 5501.412
Example 4-42
The Zeeman components of a 500 nm spectral line are
0.0116 nm apart when the magnetic field is 1.00 tesla. Find
the ratio of e/m of the electron from this data.
Solution
The wavelength separation is given by
eB2
=
4 me c

or

e 4 c( )
=
me
B2
e
4 (2.998 10 8 )(0.0116 10 9 )
=
me
(1)(500 10 9 ) 2
e
= 1.733 1011 C / kg
me

Example 4-43
A spectral line having a wavelength of 5500 shows a
normal Zeeman splitting of 1.1 10 2 . What is the
magnitude of the magnetic field causing the splitting?
Solution
The wavelength separation is given by
B B2
=
hc
hc( ) (6.626 10 34 )(2.998 108 ){(1.1102 )(10 10 )}
or B =
=
B 2
(9.274 10 24 )(5500 10 10 ) 2
B = 0.078 tesla

CHAPTER 04 ATOMIC STRUCTURE

121
Example 4-44
Find the minimum magnetic field needed for the Zeeman
Effect to be observed in a spectral line of 400 nm wavelength
when a spectrometer whose resolution is 0.010 nm is used.
Solution
The wavelength separation is given by
B2
= B
hc
hc( )
or
B=
2

(6.626 10 34 )(2.998 108 ){(0.010 10 9 )}

(9.274 10 24 )(400 10 9 ) 2
B = 1.339 tesla
B=

CHAPTER 04

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122

CONCEPTUAL QUESTIONS
(1) What is meant by a stationary orbit in Bohrs theory of
Hydrogen atom?
Answer: - A stationary or allowed orbit is one in which electron
does not radiate any energy i.e. the total energy of the electron
remains constant.
(2) What should be the angular momentum of the electron
moving in an allowed orbit?
Answer: - The angular momentum of an electron should be an
integral multiple of h = (h / 2 ) while moving in an allowed
orbit i.e. L = n h .
(3) How many electronic orbits are there in a Hydrogen
atom?
Answer: - Theoretically there are an infinite number of orbits in
a Hydrogen atom. As there is only one electron in the Hydrogen
atom, therefore one of these orbits will be occupied at one time.
The remaining orbits will be vacant.
(4) How is the spacing of adjacent electronic energy levels of
an atom affected by the value of n?
Answer: - The spacing of adjacent electronic energy levels of
an atom decreases as n increases.
(5) What is indicated by the existence of sharp lines in the
spectrum of Hydrogen atom?
Answer: - It indicates that the electron is moving in a given
orbit with certain frequency only.
OR
It indicates the presence of discrete energy levels in the
Hydrogen atom.
(6) Which transition of the electron in Hydrogen atom will
emit highest energy photon?
Answer: - The transition of the electron from n = to
n = 1 will emit maximum energy photon. The energy of this
photon is E E1 = (0) (13.6 eV ) = 13.6 eV .

CHAPTER 04 ATOMIC STRUCTURE

123
(7) The total energy of the electron in Hydrogen atom is
negative. What is the physical significance of negative sign?
Answer: - It reflects the fact that the electron is bound to the
nucleus. An energy of 13.6 eV is needed to separate the electron
from the nucleus of hydrogen atom.
(8) Can a Hydrogen atom absorb a photon whose energy
exceeds its biding energy?
Answer: - Yes. The excess energy will appear as kinetic energy
of the detached electron of Hydrogen atom.
(9) Which series in the emission spectrum of Hydrogen atom
has the highest frequencies? In what part of the spectrum
are these lines?
Answer: - Lyman series. The spectral lines of Lyman series are
in the ultraviolet region.
(10) Any series of atomic Hydrogen yet to be discovered
will probably found to be in what region of the spectrum?
Answer: - In infrared region of the spectrum.
(11) If an electron moves to a larger orbit, does its total
energy increase or decrease? Does its kinetic energy
increase or decrease?
Answer: - The total energy of an orbiting electron is given by
k Z e2
E=
2 r
As r increases E becomes less negative and therefore increases.
The orbital kinetic energy of the electron is given by
k Z e2
K=
2r
It is clear that K decreases with increase in r.
(12) Under what conditions an electron moving in the orbit
will have de Broglie wavelength?
Answer: -The electron orbit (i.e. the circumference of circular
orbit) must contain an integral number of de Broglie
wavelengths.

CHAPTER 04 ATOMIC STRUCTURE

124
(13) What are two essential features of the vector atom
model?
Answer: - (a) Space quantization and (b) Hypothesis of
spinning electron.
(14) What is minimum energy needed to create an Electron positron pair?
Answer: - The minimum energy needed to create an electronpositron pair is given by 2 m0c 2 = 1.022 MeV .
(15) What is the wavelength of the photon corresponding to
the threshold energy needed to produce electron-positron
pair i.e. 1.022 MeV?
Answer: - 0.012

CHAPTER 04

(1)
(2)
(3)

(4)
(5)

(6)

(7)

ATOMIC STRUCTURE

125

ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS
Compute the first three wavelengths of the Bracket
series of hydrogen.
The binding energy of electron in a certain state of
hydrogen atom is 0.85 eV. What is the corresponding
quantum number?
A photon of energy 12.1 eV absorbed by a hydrogen
atom, originally in the ground state, raises the atom
to an excited state. What is the quantum number of
this state?
Determine the speed of electron in the n = 8 orbit of
hydrogen atom. Use this value to find the
corresponding de Broglie wavelength.
The lifetime of an excited state is about 10 8 second.
Compute how many revolutions an electron of
hydrogen atom in the excited state n = 4 will make
before jumping in the ground state?
Which of the spectral lines of the Bracket series is
closest in wavelength to the first spectral line of the
Paschen series of hydrogen atom? What is difference
in their wavelengths?
Find the radius of the smallest Bohr orbit in doubly
ionized lithium ( Li + + ). What will be the energy of
electron in this orbit?
Answers
6

(1) 4.051 10 m, 2.625 10 6 m and 2.166 10 6 m

(2) 4
(3) 3
(4) 2.734 10 5 m s 1 , 2661
(5) 1.04 10 7 Revolutions (6) Fifth line (n = 9)
(7) 0.18 , -122 eV