1.3 Quantum Numbers, Absorption and Emission

Question 1

Quantum numbers (the electron address)
n =
ℓ =
mℓ=
ms =

Answer 1

n (principal) = shell number (0…∞)
ℓ (azimuthal) = (0…(n-1))
mℓ (magnetic) = (-ℓ…+ℓ)
ms (spin quantum) = (+1/2 or -1/2)

(N, ℓ, mℓ, ms)

Question 2

Emission vs. absorption and rules?

Answer 2

Emission = Jumping from a higher numbered shell to a lower numbered shells.
i.e. 4 to 1.

Absorption = Jumping from a lower numbered shell to a higher numbered shell.
i.e. 1 to 4.

• A larger jump means we are emitting/absorbing a higher energy photon. It also means we have a higher frequency. It also means a shorter wavelength.
• A smaller hum means we are emitting/absorbing a lower energy photon. It also mean we have a lower frequency. It also means a longer wavelength.