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Summary of Atomic Structure

Sep 22, 2025

Overview

This lecture briefly reviews the main concepts, models, radiation, spectra, photons, quantum numbers, and modern concepts of Atomic Structure.

Cathode Rays and Anode Rays

  • Cathode rays are streams of electrons that first emerge from the surface of a metal.
  • Anode rays are positive ions (A+, B+) that come from gas.
  • Cathode rays originate from the cathode surface.
  • Cathode rays carry a negative charge and are deflected in a magnetic field.
  • The E/M ratio of anode rays depends on the gas; the proton was discovered from these.

Electron Charge and Mass

  • Millikan's oil drop experiment found the electron charge to be -1.6 × 10⁻¹⁹ C.
  • The electron's mass was determined from E/M and charge.

Atomic Models

  • Thomson Model: Watermelon model (proved incorrect).
  • Rutherford Model: Nucleus is at the center and most of the mass is concentrated there.
  • Electrons orbiting in shells should radiate energy, which was a flaw in the model.
  • Bohr Model: Only those shells are stable where the electron's angular momentum is n h/2π.
  • Electron emits a photon when moving from a higher to a lower shell.

Electromagnetic Waves and Photons

  • All electromagnetic waves travel at speed c = 3 × 10⁸ m/s.
  • Energy: E = hν = hc/λ, where h is Planck's constant.
  • Radio waves have the longest wavelength and gamma rays the shortest.
  • Light has a dual nature (particle + wave).

Hydrogen Spectrum and Series

  • Lyman, Balmer, Paschen, Brackett, Pfund series have photons of different energies.
  • Lyman series (n₁=1): UV range, Balmer (n₁=2): visible, others infrared.
  • Photon wavelength: 1/λ = RZ²(1/n₁² - 1/n₂²), where R is the Rydberg constant.
  • Maximum spectral lines: n(n-1)/2 or Δn(Δn+1)/2

De Broglie Wavelength and Quantum Numbers

  • Wavelength of a particle λ = h/mv.
  • Wavelength is significant for microscopic particles.
  • Several formulas to find photon wavelength: h/mv, h/p, h/√(2mKE)
  • Quantum numbers: Principal (n), Azimuthal (l), Magnetic (m), Spin (s)

Quantum Mechanical Model and Orbitals

  • Wave function (ψ) and ψ² (probability density) are used for probable electron locations.
  • Regions with more than 90% probability are called orbitals.
  • S orbital is spherical, P is dumbbell-shaped, D has four lobes, and F is complex.
  • Total nodes = n-1; radial nodes = n-l-1; angular nodes = l

Electronic Configuration and Rules

  • Aufbau principle: orbitals with lower n+l fill first.
  • Hund's rule: orbitals of the same energy fill singly first.
  • Pauli exclusion: only two electrons with opposite spins per orbital.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Cathode Rays — flow of electrons emitted from a metal cathode.
  • Anode Rays — flow of positive ions emitted from gas.
  • Photon — quantum of energy, E = hν.
  • Wavelength (λ) — distance between two crests/troughs.
  • Rydberg Constant (R) — constant in hydrogen spectrum formula.
  • Principal Quantum Number (n) — shell number/shape.
  • Azimuthal Quantum Number (l) — subshell/shape.
  • Spin Quantum Number (s) — electron spin.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Memorize all key formulas, energy levels, and series.
  • Repeatedly write Q/mass ratio, Rydberg formula, De Broglie and Bohr formulas.
  • Practice solving questions and create charts related to spectra.
  • Homework: Write electronic configurations of the first 20 elements using quantum numbers.