Regular Article – Atomic Physics

Momentum-space properties for the S-states of the valence electron of potassium atom

Department of Physics, Abhedananda Mahavidyalaya, Sainthia, Birbhum, West-Bengal, India

^a anupamsar08@gmail.com

Received: 14 April 2022
Accepted: 31 May 2022
Published online: 8 July 2022

Abstract

Momentum-space properties of the valence electron of potassium atom are studied for 4S ground and Rydberg S-states with principal quantum number using an analytical momentum space wave function in quantum-defect theory. Ground state results are compared with Hartree–Fock–Roothaan and hydrogenic theory. Rydberg state results are compared with hydrogenic theory. It is found that ground state results are in good agreement with Hartree–Fock–Roothaan values showing a small difference. This deviation is primarily due to electron correlation which is included in quantum-defect theory. In Rydberg states, deviation between the results of quantum-defect theory and hydrogenic theory reduces too much with the increase in principal quantum number than ground state primarily due to unimportant effect of electron correlation in Rydberg states. Rydberg state results indicate a trend to the similarity with hydrogen atom.