Chapter 32, Problem 32P

Figure 32-37a is a one-axis graph along which two of the allowed energy values (levels) of an atom are plotted. When the atom is placed in a magnetic field of 0.500 T, the graph changes to that of Fig. 32-37b because of the energy associated with ${\stackrel{\to }{\mu }}_{\text{orb}}\cdot \stackrel{\to }{B}$. (We neglect ${\stackrel{\to }{\mu }}_{\text{s}}$.) Level E₁ is unchanged, but level E₂ splits into a (closely spaced) triplet of levels. What are the allowed values of m_lassociated with (a) energy level E₁ and (b) energy level E₂? (c) In joules, what amount of energy is represented by the spacing between the triplet levels?

Figure 32-37 Problem 32.