Wave Mechanical View of the Hydrogen Atom

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the wave mechanical view of the hydrogen atom, including principles of quantum mechanics and the characteristics of electrons.

Dual Nature of Light

Refers to the concept that light exhibits both wave-like and particle-like properties.

De Broglie Wavelength

The wavelength associated with a particle, represented by the equation λ = h/mv.

Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle

States that it is impossible to know both the exact position and exact momentum of a particle simultaneously.

Schrödinger Equation

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

Wave Function (ψ)

A mathematical function that describes the quantum state of a system; the square of the wave function gives the probability of finding a particle in a given space.

Electron Microscope

An instrument that uses a beam of electrons to create an image of the specimen, capable of much higher magnifications than optical microscopes.

Quantized Energy Levels

The concept that an electron in an atom can only occupy certain discrete energy levels, rather than any value.

Orbital

A mathematical description of a region in space where there is a probability of finding an electron.

Quantum Numbers

A set of numbers that describe the state of an electron in an atom, including its energy level, shape, and orientation.

Wave Mechanical Model

An atomic model that describes electrons as waves, rather than particles moving in fixed orbits around the nucleus.