Darwin Term
Thus, the Darwin term affects only the s-orbit. For example it gives the 2s-orbit the same energy as the 2p-orbit by raising the 2s-state by 9.057×10−5 eV.
The Darwin term changes the effective potential at the nucleus. It can be interpreted as a smearing out of the electrostatic interaction between the electron and nucleus due to zitterbewegung, or rapid quantum oscillations, of the electron.
Another mechanism that affects only the s-state is the Lamb shift. The reader should not confuse the Darwin term with the Lamb shift. The Darwin term makes the s-state and p-state the same energy, but the Lamb shift makes the s-state higher in energy than the p-state.
Read more about this topic: Fine Structure
Famous quotes containing the words darwin and/or term:
“To shoot a man because one disagrees with his interpretation of Darwin or Hegel is a sinister tribute to the supremacy of ideas in human affairsbut a tribute nevertheless.”
—George Steiner (b. 1929)
“The term preschooler signals another change in our expectations of children. While toddler refers to physical development, preschooler refers to a social and intellectual activity: going to school. That shift in emphasis is tremendously important, for it is at this age that we think of children as social creatures who can begin to solve problems.”
—Lawrence Kutner (20th century)