CHEM 1030 Chapter 2: Light, Quantum Numbers, and Orbitals

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering speed of light, photon energy calculations, electromagnetic spectrum ordering, quantum numbers, electron capacity, and atomic orbital shapes for CHEM 1030 Chapter 2.

Speed of Light ($c$)

The speed at which all electromagnetic radiation travels in a vacuum, with a constant value of approximately $3.00 \times 10^8\,\text{m/s}$. Yellow light and red light travel at this same speed.

Speed of Light Equation

The mathematical relationship linking the wavelength ($\lambda$) and frequency ($\nu$) of light, expressed as $c = \lambda \nu$.

Energy of a Photon Equation

The mathematical equation relating the energy ($E$) of a photon to its frequency ($\nu$) or wavelength ($\lambda$), given by $E = h\nu$ or $E = \frac{hc}{\lambda}$.

Planck's Constant ($h$)

A fundamental physical constant equal to $6.626 \times 10^{-34}\,\text{J\,s}$ used to relate photon energy to frequency.

Electromagnetic Spectrum Order (Increasing Wavelength)

The arrangement of electromagnetic radiation from shortest to longest wavelength: gamma waves, UV waves, visible light waves, microwaves, and radio waves.

Electromagnetic Spectrum Order (Increasing Energy)

The arrangement of electromagnetic radiation from lowest to highest energy: radio waves, microwaves, visible light waves, UV waves, and gamma waves.

Wavelength Unit Conversion Factor

To convert wavelength ($\lambda$) to frequency ($\nu$) using $c = \lambda \nu$, the wavelength must be expressed in meters ($\text{m}$), using the conversion factor $1\,\text{m} = 10^9\,\text{nm}$.

Nd:YAG Laser

A neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser commonly used to treat vascular skin lesions, operating at a wavelength of $532\,\text{nm}$.

Atomic Transitions (Absorption vs. Emission)

Transitions in an atom moving from a lower energy level to a higher energy level (e.g., $n = 2 \rightarrow n = 4$ or $n = 3 \rightarrow n = 5$) correspond to absorption of energy, while transitions moving from a higher level to a lower level (e.g., $n = 2 \rightarrow n = 1$ or $n = 4 \rightarrow n = 1$) correspond to emission of energy.

Principal Quantum Number ($n$)

The quantum number specifying the main energy level or shell of an electron, taking positive integer values $n = 1, 2, 3, \dots$.

Angular Momentum Quantum Number ($l$)

The quantum number specifying the shape of an orbital or subshell, taking integer values from $0$ to $n - 1$.

Magnetic Quantum Number ($m_l$)

The quantum number specifying the orientation of an orbital in space, taking integer values ranging from $-l$ to $+l$, including $0$.

Spin Quantum Number ($m_s$)

The quantum number specifying the direction of electron spin, with possible values of $+\frac{1}{2}$ or $-\frac{1}{2}$.

Angular Momentum Letter Code $l = 0$

The letter designation corresponding to the $s$ subshell or orbital.

Angular Momentum Letter Code $l = 1$

The letter designation corresponding to the $p$ subshell or orbital.

Angular Momentum Letter Code $l = 2$

The letter designation corresponding to the $d$ subshell or orbital.

Angular Momentum Letter Code $l = 3$

The letter designation corresponding to the $f$ subshell or orbital.

Subshell Maximum Electron Capacity

The maximum number of electrons each subshell type can hold: $s$ holds 2, $p$ holds 6, $d$ holds 10, and $f$ holds 14.

Forbidden Orbitals Rule

Orbitals such as $1p$, $2d$, and $3f$ cannot exist because the angular momentum quantum number $l$ must be strictly less than the principal quantum number $n$ ($l < n$).

Frequency Effect on Photon Properties

If the frequency ($\nu$) of a photon is doubled, its energy ($E$) doubles, its wavelength ($\lambda$) is halved, while the speed of light ($c$) and Planck's constant ($h$) remain unchanged.

s Orbital

A spherical orbital corresponding to an angular momentum quantum number of $l = 0$.

d Orbital

A four-lobed cloverleaf-shaped orbital corresponding to an angular momentum quantum number of $l = 2$.

p Orbital

A two-lobed dumbbell-shaped orbital corresponding to an angular momentum quantum number of $l = 1$.