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Summary of Atomic Structure

Jun 17, 2025

Overview

This lecture briefly explains the 'Structure of Atom' chapter, discussing in detail atomic models, sub-atomic particles, quantum numbers, electronic configuration, etc.

Discovery of Sub-Atomic Particles

  • The electron was discovered by J.J. Thomson through the cathode ray tube experiment.
  • The proton was discovered by anode rays (canal rays) from hydrogen gas.
  • The neutron was discovered by James Chadwick by bombarding beryllium with alpha particles.
  • Electron charge = -1.6 × 10^-19 C, mass = 9.1 × 10^-31 kg.
  • Proton charge = +1.6 × 10^-19 C, mass = 1.672 × 10^-27 kg.
  • Neutron charge = 0, mass = 1.674 × 10^-27 kg.

Atomic Models

  • Thomson Model: Electrons are spread like seeds in a positively charged sphere (Plum pudding model).
  • Rutherford Model: The nucleus is small and dense, electrons revolve around it.
  • Limitations of Rutherford: Could not explain atomic stability and electron arrangement.
  • Bohr Model: Electrons revolve in fixed orbits, transitions occur only when energy changes.

Electromagnetic Radiation and Spectrum

  • Electromagnetic waves have electric and magnetic fields perpendicular to each other.
  • Speed of light c = 3 × 10^8 m/s.
  • Electromagnetic spectrum includes gamma rays, X-rays, ultraviolet, visible, infrared, microwaves, radio waves.
  • Wavelength (λ) = c/ν, ν = frequency.
  • Black body radiation, photoelectric effect, and hydrogen spectrum cannot be explained by wave nature.

Quantum Theory and Hydrogen Spectrum

  • According to Planck, energy is absorbed/emitted in small packets (quanta).
  • Energy of a photon E = hν = hc/λ.
  • Hydrogen spectrum has Lyman, Balmer, Paschen series, etc.
  • Wavelength of spectral lines: 1/λ = RZ² (1/n1² - 1/n2²).

Electronic Configuration and Quantum Numbers

  • Quantum numbers: n (principal), l (azimuthal), m (magnetic), s (spin).
  • Aufbau Principle: Electrons fill the lowest energy orbitals first.
  • Pauli Exclusion Principle: Two electrons in an orbital must have opposite spins.
  • Hund's Rule: Electrons fill degenerate orbitals singly first.
  • n² = number of orbitals in a shell; 2n² = maximum electrons in a shell.

Heisenberg Uncertainty and De Broglie Wavelength

  • Position and momentum cannot be measured simultaneously with 100% accuracy.
  • Δx·Δp ≥ h/4π
  • De Broglie wavelength λ = h/(mv)
  • Wavelength is significant for microscopic particles.

Exceptions in Electronic Configuration

  • Chromium (Cr): [Ar] 4s1 3d5, Copper (Cu): [Ar] 4s1 3d10 (due to half/full filled stability).

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Cathode Rays — Negatively charged electron beams.
  • Anode Rays — Positively charged ion/proton beams.
  • Black Body Radiation — Energy emitted by an ideal body across all frequencies.
  • Quantum — The smallest packet of energy.
  • Photon — Quantum of light.
  • Spectral Lines — Lines of light at specific wavelengths.
  • Orbital — The region around the nucleus where the probability of finding an electron is highest.
  • Node — Regions in an orbital where the probability of finding an electron is zero.
  • Degenerate Orbitals — Orbitals with the same energy.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Solve all homework questions and Piyush's solutions.
  • Read NCERT chapter 'Structure of Atom'.
  • Revise quantum numbers, electronic configuration, and spectra.
  • Practice previous year's exam questions.