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Chemistry Forums for Students => Physical Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: CrazyBelg on January 04, 2020, 12:28:29 PM

Title: Term symbol for s2p3d8
Post by: CrazyBelg on January 04, 2020, 12:28:29 PM

A lot of my quantum chem exams had a similar question to ‘Give the term symbols for s2 p3 d8.’ I know that I can ignore filled sub shells and I also know how to find the term symbols for p3 and d8. My question is, is there an easy way to go from the term symbols for p3 and d8 apart to the term symbols for both together.
Thanks in advance

Title: Re: Term symbol for s2p3d8
Post by: Corribus on January 04, 2020, 12:35:31 PM

The procedure is no different. You have to identify the micro states and their associated angular momentum and spin values, then from that deduce what the term symbols are. The angular momentum and spin values will just be a bit higher because you have two orbitals to worry about

Title: Re: Term symbol for s2p3d8
Post by: CrazyBelg on January 04, 2020, 12:37:44 PM

Thanks for answering so quickly. It just seemed quite a daunting task to write all the micro states , because there are a lot of possibilities. Guess I’ll start practicing.

Title: Re: Term symbol for s2p3d8
Post by: Corribus on January 04, 2020, 03:12:45 PM

Probably more complex than any problem you'll have on a test.  If you use the table/ matrix method though it should take too long.