Is a 4p S 4s transition allowed in sodium? If so, what is its wavelength? If not, why not? b. Is a 3d S 4s transition allowed in sodium? If so, what is its wavelength? If not, why not? g

a) 4p ⇒ 4s  transition is Allowed

b) 3d ⇒ 4s transition not allowed

Explanation:

a) 4p ⇒ 4s  transition

This transition is allowed because for a 4p state; l = 1 and for a 4s state I = 0

hence Δl = 1 - 0 = 1

Energy of 4p ( Ei ) = 3.75eV

Energy of 4s ( E2 ) = 3.19 eV

where : λ = 1240 eV nm / ( E₂ - E₁ )

                = 2214 nm ≈ 2.214 μm

b) 3d ⇒ 4s transition

This transition is not allowed  

a 3d state , l = 2 while for 4s state l = 0

hence Δl = 2 - 0 = 2

therefore the transition is not allowed

idk what the question is about