Waves, Particles, and Quantum Theory in Atomic Physics

What is the Rutherford Model of the Atom characterized by?

A dense positively charged nucleus and mostly empty space.

What limitations does the Rutherford Model of the Atom have?

It does not explain the location of electrons around the nucleus or why negative electrons do not collapse into the nucleus.

How were electrons and light viewed prior to 1900?

Electrons were seen as particles, while light was viewed as waves.

What is electromagnetic radiation?

A form of energy that exhibits wavelike behavior as it travels through space.

What are the key properties of electromagnetic waves?

Velocity (c), Amplitude (A), Wavelength (λ), and Frequency (ν).

What is the symbol and unit for the velocity of electromagnetic waves?

Symbol: 'c'; Unit: meters/second.

What does amplitude represent in a wave?

The distance from the origin to the trough or crest, indicating height or depth.

What is the relationship between amplitude and wave power?

Higher amplitude corresponds to higher power and higher intensity.

What is wavelength and how is it measured?

Wavelength (λ) is the length of one complete wave, measured from crest to crest or similar points.

What is the symbol and unit for wavelength?

Symbol: 'λ'; Units: meters, centimeters, millimeters, nanometers, etc.

What is frequency in the context of waves?

The number of waves that pass a given point during a certain time period, usually one second.

What is the symbol and unit for frequency?

Symbol: 'f' or 'ν'; Unit: hertz (Hz), which is equivalent to 1/s.

What is the mathematical relationship between frequency and wavelength?

They are inversely proportional: c = λν, where c is the speed of light.

What is the speed of light?

3.00 × 10^8 m/s.

How do you calculate wavelength from frequency?

λ = c / ν.

What does Max Planck's theory relate to in terms of radiation?

The type of radiation emitted by an object is related to its temperature.

What is the visible light spectrum range in nanometers?

400 nm to 700 nm.

What is a spectroscope used for?

To measure the wavelength of light.

What is the difference between waves and particles in terms of behavior?

Waves can bend and spread, while particles are concentrated in specific locations.

What is wave-particle duality?

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

What did Max Planck conclude about electromagnetic energy?

It can be emitted only in quantized form, as discrete 'bundles' of energy called quanta.

What is the formula for calculating the energy of a quantum of electromagnetic radiation?

E = hν, where E is energy, h is Planck's constant, and ν is frequency.

What is the significance of the photoelectric effect proposed by Albert Einstein?

It demonstrates that electromagnetic radiation can eject electrons from a metal surface when it has sufficient energy.

What is a photon?

A particle of electromagnetic radiation that has zero mass and carries a quantum of energy.