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The gross structure of line spectra is the number of lines and their placement. This is determined by the differences in the Energy Level s of the various Atomic Orbitals . However, on closer examination, each line exhibits a detailed fine structure. This structure is due to small interactions that give small shifts and splittings of the energy levels. They may be analyzed by means of Perturbation Theory .


THE SPIN-ORBIT INTERACTION

Classically, orbiting charges possess a Magnetic Dipole Moment , and this holds in Quantum Mechanics also. Slightly more surprisingly, the Intrinsic Angular Momentum of particles due to spin gives them a magnetic moment; thus the 'spin-half' electron acts like a little magnet. Since it is orbiting the positively charged nucleus, it 'sees' a current, and hence a magnetic field.