Question

Explain Zeeman and Stark's effect. How are they related to magnetic quantum numbers? Explain

Answer 1

Zeeman effect: Splitting of a spectral line in presence of a magnetic field.

Stark's effect: the splitting of spectral lines in the presence of an electric field.

• The explanation for the splitting of a single spectral line of hydrogen atom into a number of closely spaced lines in the presence of a magnetic field or an electric field was given by Landě.
• He postulated that in the presence of an external electric field or a magnetic field an electron can have a different spatial orientation for a particular angular momentum.
• The magnetic quantum number was introduced to specify the further subdivision of subshells or energy levels. Magnetic quantum numbers give spatial orientation to the orbitals.