Difference Between

Singlet and Triplet

State
 What is Singlet State?
O A singlet state refers to a system in which all the
electrons are paired.
O The net angular momentum of the particles in this type
of system is zero. Therefore, we can say that the overall
spin quantum number, s is zero (s=0).
O Furthermore, if we take the spectrum of this system, it
shows one spectral line, and thus, got the name “singlet
state”.
O Moreover, almost all the molecules that we know exist
in the singlet state, but molecular oxygen is an
exception.
Singlet, Doublet and the Triplet States
O As an example, the simplest possible bound
particle pair having singlet state is
positronium, which has an electron and
positron. These two particles are bound by
their opposite electrical charge. Moreover, the
paired electrons of a system having a singlet
state have parallel spin orientations.
 What is Triplet State?
O Triplet state of a system describes that the system
has two unpaired electrons.
O The net angular momentum of the particles in this
type of system is 1. Therefore, the spin quantum
number is 1.
O Moreover, this allows three values of the angular
momentum as -1, 0 and +1.
O Hence, the spectral lines that we obtain for this
type of system split into three lines, and thus, got
the name triplet state.
Shown are three electronic configurations of the molecular orbitals of
molecular oxygen, O2. From left to right, the diagrams are for: 1Δg singlet
oxygen (first excited state), 1Σ+ g singlet oxygen (second excited state), and
3Σ− g triplet oxygen (ground state).
 Contid…
O Furthermore, the best example of a triplet state
is molecular oxygen. At room temperature,
this molecular oxygen gives threefold splitting
in the spectral lines.
 Difference Between Singlet and
Triplet State
1-Definition
Singlet State Triplet State

O A singlet state refers O The triplet state of a

to a system in which system describes that
all the electrons are the system has two
paired. unpaired electrons.
 Singlet State Triplet State

2-Electron Paring 2-Electron Paring

All are paring Two unpaired
electron. electron are present.

3- Spectral lines 3- Spectral lines

A single spectral A threefold splitting
lines is given. in spectral lines is
observed.
 Singlet State Triplet State
4- Spin Quantum 4- Spin Quantum
Number Number
s=0 s=1
5- Angular Momentum 5- Angular Momentum
ms=0 ms= -1, 0 or +1
6- Example 6-Example
Most of the Molecular oxygen
compounds exist that occurs in triplet state
we meet in our daily life
are in singlet state