Spinning Electrons and the Structure of Spectra

Abstract

RECENTLY Uhlenbeck and Goudsmit (NATURE, February 20, p. 264; see also Naturw., November 20, 1925) have directed attention to the fact that a number of features of multiplet structure and the anomalous Zeeman effect can be described by assuming the electrons in the atom to possess an inherent magnetic moment, pictured as being due to a spinning motion of the electron about an axis of symmetry. This moment must be considered as having a magnitude of 1 or 2 Bohr magnetons (about 10^-20 c.g.s. units), depending on what rules one assumes to govern the orientation of the axis with respect to an external magnetic field. The above-named authors discuss the advantages which such a view brings with it, but fail to point out some serious difficulties.