An atom in a state with its orbital quantum number l = 1 decays to its ground state (with l = 0).A photon of wavelength 630.000 nm is emitted in the process.When the same process takes place in the presence of an intense magnetic field,the following change in the spectrum is observed.With the magnetic field present,one of the emitted lines observed now has a wavelength of 630.030 nm.Which of the following wavelengths would you expect to be also present?
A) 629.970 nm
B) 630.060 nm
C) 630.090 nm
D) 630.120 nm
E) 629.910 nm

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of an intense magnetic field causes the Zeeman effect, which splits spectral lines. The original line at 630.000 nm splits into multiple components. Given that one of the split lines is at 630.030 nm, which is 0.030 nm longer than the original, there should be a symmetrically split line 0.030 nm shorter than the original, at 629.970 nm. This symmetry is due to the equal energy difference caused by the magnetic field for the split components.

An Atom in a State with Its Orbital Quantum Number