Electromagnetic Radiation and the Electronic Structures of Atoms

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to electromagnetic radiation, electron transitions, and quantum mechanics.

Electromagnetic Radiation

Energy that travels through space as waves, including visible light, ultraviolet radiation, and radio waves.

Wavelength (𝝀)

The distance between successive high or low points in a wave.

Frequency (𝝂)

The number of complete waves that pass a given point in space in a specified time, measured in hertz (Hz).

Photon

A discrete packet of energy proposed by Max Planck; the energy directly relates to the frequency of light.

Photoelectric Effect

The phenomenon where electrons are ejected from a metal surface when illuminated by light; depends on the wavelength of the light.

Planck’s Equation

Relates the energy of a photon to its frequency: E_photon = h𝝂.

Quantum Numbers

A series of numbers used to specify the properties of atomic orbitals and the behavior of electrons in atoms.

Principal Quantum Number (n)

Indicates the shell of an electron and its energy level; can take positive integer values.

Angular Momentum Quantum Number (ℓ)

Describes the shape of an orbital, with allowable values ranging from 0 to (n-1) for a given n.

Magnetic Quantum Number (𝑚ℓ)

Related to an orbital's three-dimensional orientation in space; can take integer values ranging from -ℓ to +ℓ.