Quantum Theory and Bohr's Theory of the Hydrogen Atom

Vocabulary flashcards covering quantum theory equations, photon energy calculations, atomic emission spectra, and Bohr's model of the hydrogen atom.

Planck's Constant ($h$)

A fundamental physical constant equal to $6.626 \times 10^{-34}\,\text{J}\cdot\text{s}$ that relates the energy of a photon to its frequency ($E_{\text{photon}} = h\nu$).

Speed of Light ($c$)

A constant equal to $2.998 \times 10^8\,\text{m/s}$, related to wavelength and frequency by the formula $c = \lambda\nu$.

Continuous Spectrum

A spectrum containing all wavelengths of visible light, such as the spectrum produced by white light.

Atomic Emission Spectrum

A spectrum created when gas-phase atoms absorb energy and re-emit light at specific wavelengths, which are separated by a prism.

Bright-Line Spectrum

A series of discrete line wavelengths emitted by energized atoms of an element, unique to each individual element.

Ground State

The lowest energy, most stable energy state of an atom, corresponding to $n = 1$ in the hydrogen atom model.

Excited State

Any energy state of an atom in which the principal quantum number $n > 1$, possessing higher potential energy than the ground state.

Bohr Hydrogen Energy Equation

An equation applying exclusively to hydrogen atoms, defined as $E_n = -2.18 \times 10^{-18}\,\text{J} \left(\frac{1}{n^2}\right)$, which calculates the energy of an electron in orbit $n$.

Quantized Energy Transition

The movement of an electron between specific, discrete energy levels in an atom, analogous to a ball moving up and down steps.

Change in Energy ($\Delta E$)

The difference in potential energy between the final and initial states of an atom, calculated as $\Delta E = E_f - E_i$.

Photon Emission

The release of a photon when an electron drops from a higher to a lower energy level ($n_i > n_f$), resulting in a negative energy change ($\Delta E < 0$) for the atom.

Photon Absorption

The uptake of a photon when an electron moves from a lower to a higher energy level ($n_f > n_i$), resulting in a positive energy change ($\Delta E > 0$) for the atom.

Steel

An alloy composed of iron and carbon, to which metals like vanadium can be added to increase overall strength.