It is shown that the energies and strengths of states at high excitation energy in ${}_{}{}^{17}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{O}$ which are strongly excited at high q by inelastic electron scattering may be understood in terms of $p_{3/2}^{\mathrm{-}1}$×$d_{5/2}^2$ weak-coupling configurations, and that the spin assignments suggested by Manley et al. are unlikely to be correct. Also, it is pointed out that a problem can arise in the interpretation of observed M4-like strength since M4 and E3 form factors from the magnetization current are known to be identical in shape for 0p→0d transitions (in addition, M2 and E1 form factors can also peak at high q). Comments are also made on states observed in ${}_{}{}^{18}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{O}$.

• Received 15 May 1987

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.36.1643