Flashcards: Quantum Description of the Atom — 11 cards

What formula gives the energy states of an electron in hydrogenic species?

$E=-\frac{13.6\ \mathrm{eV}}{n^2}$

Why do atoms emit or absorb light only at defined wavelengths?

Because only defined amounts of energy are exchanged, producing line spectra.

What formula did Louis de Broglie propose for a particle's wavelength?

$\lambda=\frac{h}{p}$

What did the Davisson–Germer experiment prove about electrons?

Electrons exhibit wave behavior by producing a diffraction pattern.

Energy levels in hydrogenic atoms (quantization)

E = -13.6 eV / n² shows quantized energy states.

Matter wave wavelength (de Broglie)

λ = h / p, relates momentum and wavelength.

Wave function role

Describes quantum state, determines observable probabilities.

Heisenberg uncertainty principle

Δx · Δp ≥ h / 4π, limits precision.

Davisson–Germer experiment

Verified electron wave behavior via diffraction pattern.

Bohr model limitation

Valid only for hydrogenic species, needs refinement for others.

Photon energy-wavelength relation

E = hc / λ, links energy and wavelength.