(1856) Standing waves and energy level diagrams part 2 v2

Chapter 1: Different Energy Levels

• Energy Level Diagram: Represents distinct energy states for electrons in an atom.

  • Electrons exhibit characteristics of standing waves with discrete energy levels.

  • Ionization Energy (IE):

    • Represents the energy required to remove an electron completely, forming a 1+ ion.

    • This energy amount varies between different atoms but is constant for a particular atom.

• Bound vs. Free Electrons:

  • Below the ionization energy, electrons have defined energy levels.

  • Above the ionization energy, electrons are no longer confined and can possess a continuous range of energies.

  • Electrons in the lowest energy level will remain there unless they undergo a transition to higher energy levels.

  • Electrons can move between energy levels; this movement can be stimulated or induced by energy inputs.

Chapter 2: Energy Of Photon

• Energy Required for Electron Transition:

  • To move an electron from one energy level (E1) to another (E2), energy must be supplied.

  • Light as Energy Source:

    • Photons of light can provide this energy.

    • Depicted with a wavy arrow to represent light's effect on electrons.

  • The energy of the photon must match the energy difference between the two levels:

    • Formula: Energy of photon = E2 - E1 = ΔE

  • Photon Energy Equation:

    • E = hν

    • Relates the energy of the photon to its frequency (ν).

• Absorption Process:

  • In an absorption event, the atom captures the entire energy of the photon, raising its energy level.

  • This absorption is visually represented with an upward arrow indicating an increase in atomic energy.

Chapter 3: Energy Of Atom

• Excited Atoms:

  • An excited atom can exist with an electron at higher energy levels due to various excitation methods (e.g., electron bombardment).

  • When an electron drops from a higher energy state (E4) to a lower one (E2), it emits energy in the form of a photon.

    • Represented by a wavy arrow pointing downwards, indicating energy loss.

• Photon Emission:

  • The emitted photon energy equals the energy difference between the two levels (also expressed as hν).

• Transition Flexibility:

  • Atoms can transition between different energy levels freely, with the special case of ionization energy at the highest level.

  • Above ionization energy, atoms can absorb photons of varying energy, leading to a continuum of potential energy states.

Chapter 4: Energy Of Atom

• Binding Energy Concept:

  • Relates to the ionization energy of an atom.

  • Ionization energy becomes analogous to the previously discussed binding energy concept, establishing a direct link between electron binding in different contexts.