[BeepoGirl]

I don't really understand the laporte selection rule and why a Li atom in a level with term symbol ²D_5/2 can undergo transitions to ²P_3/2 but not to ²P_3/2. In both cases l changes by -1, (D to P) so both cases must surely be possible? The only difference is the J value. Help?
Thanks, Helen.

[cth]

I don't really understand the laporte selection rule and why a Li atom in a level with term symbol ²D_5/2 can undergo transitions to ²P_3/2 but not to ²P_3/2. In both cases l changes by -1, (D to P) so both cases must surely be possible? The only difference is the J value. Help?
Thanks, Helen.

Sorry, I don't understand the question. Which transition do you mean?