S1.3 Electron configurations

Define electromagnetic waves

Electromagnetic waves travel at the same speed (speed of light) but travel at different wavelengths and frequencies

Define frequency

The number of waves that pass a particular point in one second

Distinguish between an emission and absorption spectrum

An emission spectrum is produced when electrons in excited atoms move from higher energy levels to lower energy levels, emitting photons of specific wavelengths. It appears as bright lines on a dark background.

An absorption spectrum is produced when electrons in atoms absorb photons of specific wavelengths and move from lower energy levels to higher energy levels. It appears as dark lines on a continuous spectrum.

Distinguish between a continuous spectrum and a line spectrum

A continuous spectrum shows all wavelengths and frequencies. The wavelengths and frequencies shown are unbroken.

An example of the continuous spectrum would be the spectrum of visible light.

A line spectrum shows discrete frequencies and wavelengths.

An absorption spectrum and a emission spectrum are both examples of line spectrums.

Define ionization energy

It is the energy required to remove an electron from 1 mol of gaseous atoms, ions or molecules