A GRE question on atomic physics

[hr297]

In the Stern-Gerlach effect, observed when a
beam of atoms is passed through an inhomogeneous
magnetic field, which of the following is true?
(A) The atoms must be ionized first.
(B) No deflection is observed for hydrogen atoms.
(C) Only one deflection is observed for hydrogen
atoms.
(D) Two distinct deflections are observed for sodium
(Z = 11) atoms.
(E) Three distinct deflections are observed for
magnesium (Z = 12) atoms.

I know E is right, but I don't understand why D is not.
Could anyone explain this to me? Thanks in advance!

[geshi]

To be honest, I'm slightly confused. I think it's the opposite: D is correct and E is wrong. I suppose someone brighter than I will have to answer this ...

[grae313]

D is correct, E is not.

Any atom with a single unpaired electron will be deflected into two distinct spots for spin up and spin down. Magnesium in its ground state has all electrons paired, so S=0 and it is a singlet state.

[blackcat007]

just to add to what grae said.. no of lines in a stern gerlach exp = 2s+1

for Na s=1/2 thus 2 lines
for Mg s=0 thus 1 line ie no deflection