Skip to main content
Ch.6 - Electronic Structure of Atoms
Chapter 6, Problem 104a

In the experiment shown schematically below, a beam of neutral atoms is passed through a magnetic field. Atoms that have unpaired electrons are deflected in different directions in the magnetic field depending on the value of the electron spin quantum number. In the experiment illustrated, we envision that a beam of hydrogen atoms splits into two beams. (a) What is the significance of the observation that the single beam splits into two beams?
Schematic of an experiment showing a beam of hydrogen atoms splitting in a magnetic field.

Verified Solution

Video duration:
59s
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Electron Spin Quantum Number

The electron spin quantum number (s) describes the intrinsic angular momentum of electrons, which can take values of +1/2 or -1/2. This property is crucial in determining how electrons behave in magnetic fields, as unpaired electrons will align with or against the magnetic field, leading to observable effects such as deflection in experiments.
Recommended video:
Guided course
01:18
Spin Quantum Number

Magnetic Deflection of Atoms

When a beam of neutral atoms passes through a magnetic field, atoms with unpaired electrons experience a force due to their magnetic moments. This force causes the atoms to deflect in different directions based on their spin states, resulting in the splitting of the beam into distinct paths, which can be measured and analyzed.
Recommended video:
Guided course
00:59
Magnetic Quantum Example

Significance of Beam Splitting

The splitting of a single beam of hydrogen atoms into two distinct beams indicates the presence of two different spin states of the electrons in the atoms. This observation is significant as it provides evidence for quantum mechanical properties of particles, illustrating how quantum states can lead to observable macroscopic effects in experiments.
Recommended video:
Guided course
01:09
Significant Figures Example
Related Practice
Textbook Question

The Chemistry and Life box in Section 6.7 described the techniques called NMR and MRI. (c) When the 450-MHz photon is absorbed, does it change the spin of the electron or the proton on a hydrogen atom?

401
views
Textbook Question

Using the periodic table as a guide, write the condensed electron configuration and determine the number of unpaired electrons for the ground state of (d) As.

573
views
Textbook Question

Scientists have speculated that element 126 might have a moderate stability, allowing it to be synthesized and characterized. Predict what the condensed electron configuration of this element might be.

1418
views
Textbook Question

In the experiment shown schematically below, a beam of neutral atoms is passed through a magnetic field. Atoms that have unpaired electrons are deflected in different directions in the magnetic field depending on the value of the electron spin quantum number. In the experiment illustrated, we envision that a beam of hydrogen atoms splits into two beams. (c) What do you think would happen if the beam of hydrogen atoms were replaced with a beam of helium atoms? Why?

597
views
1
rank
Textbook Question

The discovery of hafnium, element number 72, provided a controversial episode in chemistry. G. Urbain, a French chemist, claimed in 1911 to have isolated an element number 72 from a sample of rare earth (elements 58–71) compounds. However, Niels Bohr believed that hafnium was more likely to be found along with zirconium than with the rare earths. D. Coster and G. von Hevesy, working in Bohr's laboratory in Copenhagen, showed in 1922 that element 72 was present in a sample of Norwegian zircon, an ore of zirconium. (The name hafnium comes from the Latin name for Copenhagen, Hafnia). (a) How would you use electron configuration arguments to justify Bohr's prediction?

755
views
Textbook Question

The discovery of hafnium, element number 72, provided a controversial episode in chemistry. G. Urbain, a French chemist, claimed in 1911 to have isolated an element number 72 from a sample of rare earth (elements 58–71) compounds. However, Niels Bohr believed that hafnium was more likely to be found along with zirconium than with the rare earths. D. Coster and G. von Hevesy, working in Bohr's laboratory in Copenhagen, showed in 1922 that element 72 was present in a sample of Norwegian zircon, an ore of zirconium. (The name hafnium comes from the Latin name for Copenhagen, Hafnia). (d) Using their electron configurations, account for the fact that Zr and Hf form chlorides MCl4 and oxides MO2.

1101
views