Quantum Theory & EM Spectrum Flashcards

Vocabulary terms and definitions covering the fundamentals of quantum mechanics, electromagnetic radiation properties, and electron energy transitions.

Rutherford’s Model

The previous atomic model that left unanswered questions about how negatively charged electrons avoid crashing into the positively charged nucleus.

Quantum

A term meaning –step-like,– representing an amount of energy; it is the opposite of continuous.

Continuous

The opposite of quantum; an example would be a ramp compared to a set of stairs.

Electromagnetic Spectrum

The range of all types of electromagnetic radiation, including visible light, X-rays, UV rays, infrared, microwaves, and radio waves.

Photons

The smallest possible –packet of energy– that travels through space in a wave motion.

Wavelength ($\lambda$)

The distance between similar parts of 2 waves, such as the crest.

Frequency ($\nu$)

The number of wavelengths passing a given point per unit time, usually measured in Hertz ($Hz$).

Indirect Relationship

The relationship between wavelength and frequency where as wavelength increases, frequency decreases, and vice versa.

Speed of Light ($c$)

The speed of electromagnetic radiation, which is approximately $3.00 \times 10^8\,m/s$. ($c = \lambda \nu$)

Planck’s Constant ($h$)

A constant value of $6.63 \times 10^{-34}\,J \cdot s$ used in the formula $E = h \nu$ to calculate the energy of a photon.

Photoelectric Effect

The phenomenon stating that electrons are released in the form of energy when light is shone on a metal plate.

Excited

The state of an atom when an electron absorbs a photon, increases in energy, and –jumps– to an energy level farther from the nucleus.

Quantum Leap

The movement an electron makes when it jumps to a higher energy level after absorbing energy.

Ground State

The original state an atom returns to after an electron releases a photon of energy and returns to its original shell.