Research Problem for Undergraduates One of the typical research problems investigated in our independent research course for undergraduates was "A Student's Investigation of Intensity Ratios of Doublets of the Alkalis, Using Inert Gases," by Katalin Pignicrky, Senior Physics Major, 1966. Data, submitted by several authors over many years were studied to see how i t fitted the "Sum Role.'' This Rule states that "the sum of the intensities of all lines of multiplet which come from a common initial energy level is proportional to the qutmtum weight, 2j 1, of that level, and "the sum of the intensities of those lines of a multiplet which end on a common level is proportional to the quantum weight of that level.'' I n short this "Empirical" rule means that doublets of the alkalis should have intensity ratios of 2 to 1. But data did not fit that rule, except in the case of some of the lighter elements of the alkalis. Data we obtained in the spectroscopy laboratory a t Drexel with inert gases around the electrodes, did not fit the "Sum Rule" either. Quantum mechanics must beused LO calculate the correct ratios of intensities of doublets of the alkalis, as for all other spectral lines.
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J. THEODORE PETERS MARIAL.ALEVIC DREXELINSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY 19104 PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
Volume 46, Number 7, July 1969
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