Chemistry - Quantum-Mechanical Model of the Atom

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from Chemistry Chapter 8, focusing on the quantum-mechanical model of the atom.

Quantum-Mechanical Model

The quantum-mechanical model explains the manner in which electrons exist and behave in atoms.

Light

A form of electromagnetic radiation composed of perpendicular oscillating waves, one for the electric field and one for the magnetic field.

Quantum-Mechanical Model

The quantum-mechanical model explains the manner in which electrons exist and behave in atoms.

Light

A form of electromagnetic radiation composed of perpendicular oscillating waves, one for the electric field and one for the magnetic field.

Amplitude

The distance from node to crest or node to trough. It is a measure of light intensity.

Wavelength

The distance from one crest to the next, measuring the length of a wave.

Frequency

The number of waves that pass a point in a given period of time, measured in hertz (Hz).

Electromagnetic Spectrum

Visible light comprises only a small fraction of all the wavelengths of light.

Interference

The interaction between waves, which can be constructive (in phase) or destructive (out of phase).

Diffraction

The bending of traveling waves around an obstacle or opening that is about the same size as the wavelength.

Photoelectric Effect

The phenomenon where metals emit electrons when light shines on their surface.

Photons

Light energy comes in packets called quanta or photons, with energy directly proportional to frequency.

Emission Spectrum

A pattern of particular wavelengths of light is seen that is unique to that type of atom or molecule.

De Broglie's Hypothesis

Particles could have wavelike character, with wavelength inversely proportional to momentum.

Complementary Properties

When you try to observe the wave nature of the electron, you cannot observe its particle nature, and vice versa.

Uncertainty Principle

The more accurately you know the position of a small particle, the less you know about its velocity, and vice versa.

Schrödinger's Equation

Schrödinger’s equation allows us to calculate the probability of finding an electron with a particular amount of energy at a particular location in the atom.

Quantum Numbers

Integer terms in the wave function that determine the size, shape, and orientation in space of an orbital.

Principal Quantum Number (n)

Characterizes the size and energy of the electron in a particular orbital.

Angular Momentum Quantum Number (l)

Determines the shape of the orbital.

Magnetic Quantum Number (ml)

An integer that specifies the orientation of the orbital in space.

Spin Quantum Number (ms)

Specifies the orientation of the spin of the electron, with two possibilities: spin up or spin down.

Sublevel

Orbitals with the same value of n and l.

Wave Function (Ψ)

Mathematical function that describes the wavelike nature of the electron.