Atoms and Spectra

Question 1

Rydberg Formula

Answer 1

1/λ = RZ^2 (1/m^2 - 1/n^2)

Question 2

Bohrs Model of atom

Answer 2

• Electrons orbit nucleus
• r_n = n^2 a0
• Electrons only orbit at discrete values of r_n
• a0 = ϵh^2/πme^2

Question 3

Difference between Classical and Quantum for electrons

Answer 3

• Electrons gain/lose energy by absorbing/emitting radiation between energy levels
• Classical says that electrons should continuously emit EM radiation and spiral into the nucleus

Question 4

How Broglie rationalises Bohr

Answer 4

• Consider orbiting electrons as standing waves around the circumference of the orbit with whole number wavelengths
• 2πr = nλ
• Subbing in broglie wavelength and momentum, angular momentum is conserved