Exam Review: Quantum Mechanics and Atomic Theory

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts from Lecture Notes on Quantum Mechanics and Atomic Theory, focusing on energy quantization, atomic models, and associated phenomena.

Energy Quantization

The concept that energy exists in discrete packets rather than being continuous.

Black Body Radiation

Electromagnetic radiation emitted by a body due to its temperature, absorbing all radiation falling on it.

Ultraviolet Catastrophe

A failure of classical physics to predict the observed spectrum of black body radiation, leading to the need for quantum theory.

Planck's Constant (h)

A fundamental constant used to describe the size of energy packets; approximately 6.63 x 10^-34 J s.

Bohr Model

An early model of the atom that explains the atomic spectrum of hydrogen but has limitations that quantum mechanics improves upon.

Photon

A particle of light that carries a quantum of energy.

Quantum Number

A numerical value that describes specific properties of atomic orbitals and the electrons in them.

Wave-Particle Duality

The concept that light and matter exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties.

Wien's Displacement Law

The principle that the wavelength at which the emission of radiation from a black body spectrum is maximized is inversely proportional to the temperature.

Chemiluminescence

The emission of light as a result of a chemical reaction.

Rutherford's Model

A planetary model of the atom suggesting that electrons orbit a dense, positively charged nucleus.

Electromagnetic Spectrum

The range of all types of electromagnetic radiation organized by wavelength or frequency.

Energy Packet

A quantized unit of energy, described by Planck, which can be gained or lost by quantum systems.

Frequency (ν)

The number of cycles of a wave that pass a point in one second, measured in hertz (Hz).

Wavelength (λ)

The distance between successive peaks of a wave; inversely related to frequency in light waves.