Chemistry - Electromagnetic Spectrum

Electromagnetic Spectrum

the complete range of all types of electromagnetic radiation

Frequency

the number of times a wave completes a cycle per second

wavelength

the distance between successive crests of a wave

Hertz

unit used to measure frequency

photon

a tiny particle of light that carries a specific amount of energy according to Plank’s equation

Atomic Emission Spectrum

the range of direct energy that elements give off

Valence Electrons

electrons that lay within the outermost shell

Ground State

the lowest energy orbital available

Excited State

when an electron is in a higher energy level

Quantum

the smallest amount of restricted energy that a substance can absorb or emit

Aufbau Principle

states that electrons occupy the ground state

Hund’s Rule

single electrons will occupy each equal-energy orbital before additional electrons can occupy the same orbital

Pauli Exclusion Principle

two electrons occupying the same orbital possess opposite spin