Bethe-Slater curve

The Bethe Slater curve is a plot of the integral of the exchange interaction of the transition metals. The exchange integral J between adjacent atoms in crystals is plotted as a function of the ratio of their spacing to the diameter r of the non- filled tray.

In the discussion of the magnetic behavior of the transition metals, the Bethe- Slater curve has proven, even if the deeper theoretical conditions are so far poorly understood. All metals having a positive Y are ferromagnetic ( for example, iron, cobalt, nickel, gadolinium ) that are negative J antiferromagnetic or paramagnetic.

The curve was developed by Hans Bethe and John C. Slater.