Electron Structure & Periodic Properties

These flashcards cover key concepts related to electron structure, periodic properties, and the behavior of electromagnetic radiation, providing definitions and critical terms to assist in exam preparation.

electromagnetic radiation

A form of energy that exhibits wave-like behavior as it travels through space, characterized by its speed, wavelength, frequency, and amplitude.

quantum numbers

Four numbers that describe the unique quantum state of an electron in an atom: principal (n), angular momentum (l), magnetic (ml), and spin (ms).

ionization energy

The energy required to remove an electron from an atom in its gaseous state.

electron affinity

The energy change that occurs when an electron is added to a gaseous atom.

electronegativity

The ability of an atom in a molecule to attract shared electrons.

photoelectric effect

The emission of electrons from a material when it is exposed to electromagnetic radiation, particularly light.

standing waves

Waves that remain in a constant position, formed by the interference of two waves traveling in opposite directions.

Pauli Exclusion Principle

No two electrons in an atom can have the same set of four quantum numbers.

Aufbau Principle

The principle that electrons occupy the lowest energy orbital available.

line spectrum

A spectrum that contains only specific wavelengths of emitted light, unique to a particular element.

blackbody radiation

The spectrum of light emitted by an idealized object that absorbs all radiation incident upon it, varying with temperature.

effective nuclear charge (Zeff)

The net positive charge experienced by an electron in a multi-electron atom, accounting for shielding by other electrons.

diffraction

The bending of waves around obstacles and openings, leading to interference patterns.

constructive interference

The phenomenon where two waves in phase combine to produce a wave with a greater amplitude.

destructive interference

The phenomenon where two waves out of phase combine to reduce or cancel each other's amplitude.

atomic radius

A measure of the size of an atom, typically defined as the distance from the nucleus to the outer boundary of the surrounding cloud of electrons.