Zeeman effect

The Zeeman effect describes the splitting of spectral lines emitted by atoms or molecules when subjected to an external magnetic field. First observed by Pieter Zeeman in 1896, this phenomenon arises from the interaction between the magnetic field and the magnetic moments of electrons within the atom. This interaction alters the energy levels of the electrons, causing a single spectral line to divide into multiple distinct components. The Zeeman effect provides crucial evidence supporting the quantization of angular momentum and serves as a cornerstone for quantum mechanical models of atomic structure. It’s extensively utilized in various scientific fields, including astrophysics – for measuring magnetic fields in stars and sunspots – and atomic spectroscopy.