MDCAT Physics MCQ #326

What causes the hyperfine structure in atomic spectra?

MDCAT Physics MCQ #326

  1. Question 1

    Q1. What causes the hyperfine structure in atomic spectra?

    • A) Interaction between electron spin and nuclear spin.
    • B) Thermal broadening from environmental vibrations.
    • C) Collisions with neutrinos in atomic gases.
    • D) Relativistic effects on electron orbits.

    Answer: Interaction between electron spin and nuclear spin.

    Explanation: Nuclear spin-electron spin coupling creates hyperfine splitting. Option D causes fine structure instead.