Electromagnetic Radiation, Quantum Numbers, Atomic Spectra

Electromagnetic Radiation

A form of energy that travels through space as a combination of oscillating electric and magnetic fields.

Wavelength (λ)

The length of the smallest repeating unit of a wave, measured from node to node, peak to peak, or trough to trough.

Frequency (ν)

A measure of how many cycles of the wave pass by a specific point in a single second, measured in hertz (Hz).

Planck's Constant (h)

A fundamental constant associated with the quantum of electromagnetic energy, approximately 6.626 x 10^-34 J s.

Quantized Energy

Specific amounts of energy that electrons can have, as described by Bohr's model of the atom.

Indeterminacy

The concept that we cannot know both the position and velocity of an electron simultaneously, leading to an indefinite prediction of its path.

Principal Quantum Number (n)

A quantum number that characterizes the energy of an electron in a particular orbital, corresponds to Bohr's energy level.

Angular Momentum Quantum Number (l)

Determines the shape of an atomic orbital, with integer values ranging from 0 to (n-1).

s Orbital

The lowest energy orbital in a principal energy state, spherical in shape with no nodes.

p Orbital

A type of orbital with a two-lobed shape, found in energy levels above n=1, with three orientations (px, py, pz).

Pauli Exclusion Principle

A principle stating that no two electrons in an atom can have the same set of four quantum numbers.

Electron Spin (ms)

A quantum property describing how an electron spins on its axis, either clockwise or counterclockwise.

Photon

A particle of light that has energy and exhibits both wave and particle properties.

Photon Energy Formula

E= hν, where E is the energy of a photon, h is Planck's constant, and ν is the frequency of the light.

Excitation and Radiation

Process where electrons jump between energy levels and emit or absorb light corresponding to the energy difference.

Orbital

A region in an atom where there is a high probability of finding an electron.

Wave Function (ψ)

Mathematical function representing the quantum state of a system and the probabilities of finding a particle in various locations.

Magnetic Quantum Number (ml)

Specifies the orientation of the orbital in space and can take integer values from -l to +l.