In order to test the validity of the LS-coupling approximation for lig
ht elements, the line-intensity ratios of the 3s-3p and 3p-3d multiple
ts in C II through F V and C II through Ne VI, respectively, have been
investigated experimentally with emission sources. Also, calculations
with multiconfiguration Dirac-Fock wave functions have been performed
. Within the errors of the experimental procedure, no significant viol
ations of the LS-coupling approximation were found for the lines of th
e 3s-3p and 3p-3d multiplets in C II through F V. However, in the case
of Ne VI, small deviations of measured intensities from those obtaine
d by applying the LS-coupling approximation were observed.