A magic trick for determination of ground state term of s, p & d-orbital electrons

Mohd. Suhail and Imran Ali

Abstract

The term symbol is a shortened depiction of the total angular momentum quantum numbers in a multi-electron atom in quantum mechanics. Besides, a term symbol can also describe even a single electron. Both the electronic configuration and term symbol of an atom illustrate each energy level of an atom because the energy level also alters with the change in the total angular momentum and spin. L-S coupling (also well-known as Russell–Saunders coupling) is understood by the traditional atomic term symbols. Among many term symbols, the most stable i.e. ground state symbol is predicted with the help of Hund's rule. The present paper describes an interesting activity and deals with the new and easy trick to be used for writing a ground state term symbol of an electron present in any one of the s, p & d-orbital electrons. Besides, this trick also facilitates active learning in classrooms. Moreover, it is also very useful for the fast calculation of spin multiplicity and the total angular momentum of f-orbital electrons. Besides, it may also be useful in the future for the fast calculation of spin multiplicity and the total angular momentum of g-orbital electrons.