Quantum Mechanics and the Photoelectric Effect

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to quantum mechanics, specifically the quantization of energy levels, the photoelectric effect, and various related theories and equations.

Quantized

A property that can only take on discrete values, such as energy levels of electrons.

Photon

A packet of light energy.

Angular Momentum

A physical quantity that is quantized and can only have certain discrete values.

Schrodinger Equation

A fundamental equation in quantum mechanics that describes how the quantum state of a physical system changes over time.

Particle in a Box

A quantum mechanical model that approximates the behavior of a particle constrained in a box, allowing for discrete energy levels.

Energy Levels (n)

Quantized states of energy that an electron can possess in an atom.

Planck's Constant (h)

A fundamental constant that relates the energy of a photon to its frequency.

Photoelectric Effect

The phenomenon where light causes the emission of electrons from a material.

Work Function

The minimum energy required to remove an electron from the surface of a material.

Node

A point in a standing wave where the wave has zero amplitude.

Wave-Particle Duality

The concept that light and matter exhibit properties of both waves and particles.

de Broglie Wavelength

A wavelength associated with a particle, related to its momentum.

Rydberg's Equation

An equation used to predict the wavelength of light emitted by an electron transitioning between energy levels in an atom.

Kinetic Energy (KE)

The energy an object possesses due to its motion.

Electron Configuration

The distribution of electrons in an atom's orbitals.

Orbital Orientation

The spatial distribution of electron density in an atom, described by the quantum number l.

Quantum Number n

Indicates the principal energy level occupied by an electron in an atom.

Excitation Energy

The energy required to move an electron from a lower to a higher energy level.