Quantum Theory and the Electronic Structure of Atoms

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture on Quantum Theory and the Electronic Structure of Atoms.

Quantum Theory

Planck's theory that energy is emitted or absorbed in discrete quantities called quanta.

Planck's Constant

A fundamental physical constant that relates the energy of a photon to its frequency, approximately 6.63 x 10⁻³⁴ J·s.

Wavelength (λ)

The distance between identical points on successive waves, measured in meters.

Frequency (ν)

The number of waves that pass through a particular point in one second, measured in Hertz (Hz).

Amplitude

The vertical distance from the middle of a wave to the peak or trough.

Electromagnetic Radiation

The emission and transmission of energy in the form of electromagnetic waves.

Photoelectric Effect

A phenomenon where electrons are emitted from a metal surface when exposed to light of a certain minimum frequency.

Photon

A particle of light that carries energy, used to explain the photoelectric effect.

Bohr's Theory

A model describing the hydrogen atom where electrons occupy quantized energy levels.

Emission Spectrum

The spectrum of light emitted by an element when its electrons transition from a high energy state to a lower state.

Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle

A principle stating that it is impossible to know simultaneously both the momentum and position of a particle with certainty.

Schrödinger Equation

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

Particle-Wave Duality

The concept that all matter exhibits both particle-like and wave-like properties.

Quantum Mechanics

The branch of physics that studies the behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic levels.

Ground State

The lowest energy state of an atom, where electrons are in their closest orbit to the nucleus.

Excited State

A state of an atom where an electron has absorbed energy and moved to a higher energy level.

Rydberg Constant

A physical constant used in atomic physics, indicative of the energy levels of the hydrogen atom.

Work Function (W)

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

Kinetic Energy (KE)

The energy possessed by an electron as a result of its motion, measured in joules.