In quantum mechanics, a term symbol is an abbreviated description of the energy levels, electron configurations and quantum numbers of an atom. The term symbol is a two-letter code which consists of a letter giving the total angular momentum quantum number (J) of the atom, and a letter giving the projection of the angular momentum quantum number onto the quantization axis (m_J).
The first letter of the term symbol is always chosen to be upper case, and the second letter is always lower case. The most common term symbols are given in the table below.
The term symbol is a valuable tool for visualizing the electronic structure of an atom. It can also be used to predict the behavior of an atom in an external magnetic field, and to determine the selection rules for transitions between energy levels.
Other related questions:
Q: What do term symbols mean?
A: Term symbols are used to describe the energy levels of electrons in atoms and molecules. The term symbol consists of two parts: a letter that indicates the orbital angular momentum quantum number, and a number that indicates the total spin angular momentum quantum number.
Q: What are spectroscopic term symbols?
A: Spectroscopic term symbols are symbols that are used to describe the energy levels and states of electrons in atoms or molecules.
Q: How do you find the l in term symbol?
A: The l in term symbol refers to the angular momentum quantum number. This can be determined by finding the principal quantum number (n), the angular momentum quantum number (l), and the total angular momentum quantum number (J).
Q: What is term symbol for s2 configuration?
A: The term symbol for the s2 configuration is 1S0.