Electromagnetic Radiation and Atomic Models

These flashcards cover key concepts related to electromagnetic radiation, atomic emission spectra, the Bohr model, and the quantum mechanical model.

What are the three main characteristics of electromagnetic radiation?

Wavelength, frequency, and amplitude.

What is the unit for measuring wavelength?

Meters (m).

What is the speed of light and why is it important?

3.00 × 10^8 m/s; it links wavelength and frequency.

How do you use the equation c = wavelength × frequency?

To convert between wavelength and frequency.

What is a quantum?

The smallest packet of energy.

What is a photon?

A quantum of light.

What equation is used to calculate photon energy?

E = hν.

How do you use both the c = λν and E = hν equations together?

Find ν using c = λν, then plug into E = hν.

Which color of light has higher energy, violet or red?

Violet has higher energy.

What happens to electron energy as it moves farther from the nucleus?

It increases; closer to the nucleus means lower energy.

How is an atomic emission spectrum created?

Electrons release light when falling to lower energy levels.

What role does a gas discharge tube play?

It excites atoms using electricity.

Why do gas discharge tubes emit different colors?

Each element has different energy gaps.

What is the function of a prism in light experiments?

It separates light into wavelengths.

Why do some elements have more spectral lines than others?

They have more possible electron transitions.

What is the Bohr model of the atom?

Electrons are located in fixed energy levels around the nucleus.

What does the symbol 'n' represent in the Bohr model?

The energy level number.

What is the difference between ground state and excited state?

Ground state is the lowest energy; excited state is at a higher energy.

What is the 'ladder analogy' in the Bohr model?

Electrons can only exist on certain steps (energy levels).

How does the Bohr model explain the emission spectra of elements?

Light is released when electrons fall to lower energy levels.

How many electrons can be held in each energy level?

2n^2, where n is the energy level number.

What is the significance of the mass number?

It identifies the isotope.

What is the quantum mechanical model of the atom?

It describes electron behavior by probability rather than fixed paths.

What is an orbital?

A region where electrons are likely to be found.

What are the four subshell types?

s, p, d, and f.

What is the order of subshell energies?

1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, 3d, 4p.

How is electron configuration defined?

The arrangement of electrons in an atom.

What does the Pauli Exclusion Principle state?

A maximum of two electrons can occupy a single orbital.

What is the noble gas configuration?

A shorthand way to write electron configurations using noble gases.