Low-cost demonstration of the Zeeman effect: From qualitative observation to quantitative experiments

Fuente: arXiv
Guardado en:
Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores principales: Qin, Shao-Han, Ma, Yu-Han
Formato: Preprint
Publicado: 2024
Materias:
Acceso en línea:
Etiquetas: Agregar Etiqueta
Sin Etiquetas, Sea el primero en etiquetar este registro!
_version_ 1866910230183411712
author Qin, Shao-Han
Ma, Yu-Han
author_facet Qin, Shao-Han
Ma, Yu-Han
contents The Zeeman effect, a fundamental quantum phenomenon, demonstrates the interaction between magnetic fields and atomic systems. While precise spectroscopic measurements of this effect have advanced significantly, there remains a lack of simple, visually accessible demonstrations for educational purposes. Here, we present a low-cost experiment that allows for direct visual observation of the Zeeman effect. Our setup involves a flame containing sodium (from table salt) placed in front of a sodium vapor lamp. When a magnetic field is applied to the flame, the shadow cast by the flame noticeably lightens, providing a clear, naked-eye demonstration of the Zeeman effect. Furthermore, we conduct two quantitative experiments using this setup, examining the effects of varying magnetic field strength and sodium concentration. This innovative approach not only enriches the experimental demonstration for teaching atomic physics at undergraduate and high school levels but also provides an open platform for students to explore the Zeeman effect through hands-on experience.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2408_15142
institution arXiv
publishDate 2024
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Low-cost demonstration of the Zeeman effect: From qualitative observation to quantitative experiments
Qin, Shao-Han
Ma, Yu-Han
Physics Education
Atomic Physics
Instrumentation and Detectors
Optics
Quantum Physics
The Zeeman effect, a fundamental quantum phenomenon, demonstrates the interaction between magnetic fields and atomic systems. While precise spectroscopic measurements of this effect have advanced significantly, there remains a lack of simple, visually accessible demonstrations for educational purposes. Here, we present a low-cost experiment that allows for direct visual observation of the Zeeman effect. Our setup involves a flame containing sodium (from table salt) placed in front of a sodium vapor lamp. When a magnetic field is applied to the flame, the shadow cast by the flame noticeably lightens, providing a clear, naked-eye demonstration of the Zeeman effect. Furthermore, we conduct two quantitative experiments using this setup, examining the effects of varying magnetic field strength and sodium concentration. This innovative approach not only enriches the experimental demonstration for teaching atomic physics at undergraduate and high school levels but also provides an open platform for students to explore the Zeeman effect through hands-on experience.
title Low-cost demonstration of the Zeeman effect: From qualitative observation to quantitative experiments
topic Physics Education
Atomic Physics
Instrumentation and Detectors
Optics
Quantum Physics
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2408.15142