Atomic and Electronic Structure

These flashcards cover key concepts related to atomic and electronic structure, including definitions of terms and important principles relevant to the topic.

Wavelength (λ)

Distance between successive crests or troughs of a wave.

Frequency (v)

Number of waves (cycles) that pass a given point per unit time, typically measured in Hertz (Hz).

Speed of Light (c)

The constant speed at which light travels in a vacuum, approximately 3.0 x 10^8 m/s.

Planck's Constant (h)

A fundamental constant used in quantum mechanics equal to 6.63 x 10^-34 J.s.

Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle

States that the exact location and energy of an electron cannot both be known simultaneously.

Quantum Numbers

Set of numbers that describe the energy levels, subshells, and orientation of electrons in atoms.

Aufbau Principle

Electrons fill orbitals starting with the lowest energy levels before filling higher ones.

Valence Electrons

Outermost electrons that determine the chemical properties and reactivity of an atom.

Pauli Exclusion Principle

States that no two electrons can have the same set of four quantum numbers.

Hund's Rule

In a subshell, electrons will occupy all degenerate orbitals singly before pairing up.

Subshells

Divisions of electron shells that contain orbitals of the same shape; denoted as s, p, d, and f.

Electromagnetic Spectrum

The range of all types of electromagnetic radiation, including visible light, radio waves, and gamma rays.

Photon Energy (E)

The energy of a photon is directly proportional to its frequency and inversely proportional to its wavelength.

Orbital Capacity

The maximum number of electrons that can occupy a given orbital, which is two.

Energy Levels

The fixed distances from the nucleus where electrons may be found, quantified by quantum numbers.

Magnetic Quantum Number (m)

Specifies the orientation of orbitals within a subshell.