Pearson Chemistry Teaching

5.
3 Atomic Emission Spectra and

the Quantum Mechanical Model >
Chapter 5
Electrons In Atoms
5.1 Revising the Atomic Model
5.2 Electron Arrangement in Atoms
5.3 Atomic Emission Spectra

and the Quantum
Mechanical Model
1 Copyright © Pearson Education, Inc., or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

5.3 Atomic Emission Spectra and
the Quantum Mechanical Model > CHEMISTRY & YOU
What gives gas-filled lights their colors?
An electric current
passing through the gas
in each glass tube
makes the gas glow
with its own
characteristic color.

the Quantum Mechanical Model > Light and Atomic
Emission Spectra
Light and Atomic Emission Spectra
What causes atomic emission

spectra?

Emission Spectra
The Nature of Light

• By the year 1900, there was
enough experimental evidence to
convince scientists that light
consisted of waves.
• The amplitude of a wave is the
wave’s height from zero to the
crest.
• The wavelength, represented by
 (the Greek letter lambda), is the
distance between the crests.

Emission Spectra
The Nature of Light

• The frequency, represented by  (the
Greek letter nu), is the number of wave
cycles to pass a given point per unit of
time.
• The SI unit of cycles per second is called

the hertz (Hz).

Emission Spectra
The Nature of Light
The product of frequency and wavelength

equals a constant (c), the speed of light.
c = 

Emission Spectra
The frequency () and wavelength () of

light are inversely proportional to each
other. As the wavelength increases, the
frequency decreases.

Emission Spectra
The Nature of Light

According to the wave model, light consists of
electromagnetic waves.
• Electromagnetic radiation includes
radio waves, microwaves, infrared
waves, visible light, ultraviolet waves,
X-rays, and gamma rays.
• All electromagnetic waves travel in a
vacuum at a speed of 2.998  108 m/s.

Emission Spectra
The Nature of Light

The sun and incandescent light bulbs emit white
light, which consists of light with a continuous
range of wavelengths and frequencies.
• When sunlight passes through a prism, the
different wavelengths separate into a
spectrum of colors.
• In the visible spectrum, red light has the
longest wavelength and the lowest
frequency.

Emission Spectra
The electromagnetic spectrum consists of

radiation over a broad range of wavelengths.
Low energy High energy
( = 700 nm) ( = 380 nm)
Frequency  (s-1)
3 x 106 3 x 1012 3 x 1022
102 10-8 10-14

Wavelength  (m)
Emission Spectra
Atomic Emission Spectra
When atoms absorb energy, their

electrons move to higher energy
levels. These electrons lose energy by
emitting light when they return to
lower energy levels.

Emission Spectra

A prism separates light into the colors it
contains. White light produces a rainbow
of colors.
Screen
Light Slit Prism
bulb
Emission Spectra

Light from a helium lamp produces
discrete lines.
Screen
Slit Prism
Helium
lamp
Emission Spectra

• The energy absorbed by an electron for it to move
from its current energy level to a higher energy level
is identical to the energy of the light emitted by the
electron as it drops back to its original energy level.
• The wavelengths of the spectral lines are
characteristic of the element, and they make up the
atomic emission spectrum of the element.
• No two elements have the same emission spectrum.

the Quantum Mechanical Model > Sample Problem 5.2
Calculating the Wavelength of Light

Calculate the wavelength of the
yellow light emitted by a
sodium lamp if the frequency of
the radiation is 5.09 × 1014 Hz
(5.09 × 1014/s).

1 Analyze List the knowns and the unknown.
Use the equation c =  to solve for the

unknown wavelength.
KNOWNS
frequency () = 5.09 × 1014 /s
c = 2.998 × 108 m/s
UNKNOWN
wavelength () = ? m

2 Calculate Solve for the unknown.
Write the expression that relates the

frequency and wavelength of light.
c = 

Rearrange the equation to solve for .

Solve for  by dividing
c =  both sides by :
c 
c  = 
= 

Substitute the known values for  and c into

the equation and solve.
c 2.998  108 m/s

= = = 5.89  10 –7
m
 5.09  10 /s
14

3 Evaluate Does the answer make sense?
The magnitude of the frequency is much

larger than the numerical value of the
speed of light, so the answer should be
much less than 1. The answer should have
3 significant figures.

What is the frequency of a red laser

that has a wavelength of 676 nm?

What is the frequency of a red laser

that has a wavelength of 676 nm?
c = 
c
=

c 2.998  108 m/s

 =  = 6.76  10–7 /s = 4.43  1014 m

5.3 Atomic Emission Spectra and The Quantum Concept
the Quantum Mechanical Model > and Photons
The Quantum Concept and Photons
How did Einstein explain the

photoelectric effect?

The Quantization of Energy

German physicist Max Planck (1858–1947)
showed mathematically that the amount of
radiant energy (E) of a single quantum
absorbed or emitted by a body is proportional
to the frequency of radiation ().
E  or E = h

The Quantization of Energy

The constant (h), which has a value of 6.626
 10–34 J·s (J is the joule, the SI unit of
energy), is called Planck’s constant.
E  or E = h

The Photoelectric Effect
Albert Einstein used Planck’s quantum theory

to explain the photoelectric effect.
In the photoelectric effect, electrons

are ejected when light shines on a
metal.


Not just any frequency of light will cause the
photoelectric effect.
• Red light will not cause potassium to eject
electrons, no matter how intense the light.
• Yet a very weak yellow light shining on
potassium begins the effect.


• The photoelectric effect could not be
explained by classical physics.
• Classical physics correctly described light as
a form of energy.
• But, it assumed that under weak light of any
wavelength, an electron in a metal should
eventually collect enough energy to be
ejected.

To explain the photoelectric effect,

Einstein proposed that light could be
described as quanta of energy that
behave as if they were particles.


These light quanta are called photons.
• Einstein’s theory that light behaves as a stream
of particles explains the photoelectric effect
and many other observations.


These light quanta are called photons.
• Einstein’s theory that light behaves as a stream
of particles explains the photoelectric effect
and many other observations.
• Light behaves as waves in other situations; we
must consider that light possesses both
wavelike and particle-like properties.

No electrons are ejected If the light is at or above If the frequency is

because the frequency of the threshold frequency, increased, the ejected
the light is below the electrons are ejected. electrons will travel
threshold frequency. faster.

Calculating the Energy of a Photon

What is the energy of
a photon of
microwave radiation
with a frequency of
3.20 × 1011/s?

1 Analyze List the knowns and the unknown.
Use the equation E = h ×  to calculate the

energy of the photon.
KNOWNS
frequency () = 3.20 × 1011/s
h = 6.626 × 10–34 J·s
UNKNOWN
energy (E) = ? J

Write the expression that relates the

energy of a photon of radiation and the
frequency of the radiation.
E = h

Substitute the known values for  and h

into the equation and solve.
E = h  = (6.626  10–34 J·s)  (3.20  1011/s)

= 2.12  10–22 J

3 Evaluate Does the result make sense?
Individual photons have very small

energies, so the answer seems
reasonable.

What is the frequency of a photon

whose energy is 1.166  10–17 J?

What is the frequency of a photon

whose energy is 1.166  10–17 J?
E = h
E
=
h
E 6.626  10–34 J
 = h = 1.166  10–17 J·s = 1.760  1016 Hz

5.3 Atomic Emission Spectra and An Explanation of
the Quantum Mechanical Model > Atomic Spectra
An Explanation of Atomic Spectra

How are the frequencies of light
emitted by an atom related to
changes of electron energies?

When an electron has its lowest possible

energy, the atom is in its ground state.
• In the ground state, the principal quantum
number (n) is 1.

When an electron has its lowest possible

energy, the atom is in its ground state.
• In the ground state, the principal quantum
number (n) is 1.
• Excitation of the electron by absorbing
energy raises the atom to an excited state
with n = 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, and so forth.
• A quantum of energy in the form of light is
emitted when the electron drops back to a
lower energy level.
The light emitted by an electron

moving from a higher to a lower
energy level has a frequency
directly proportional to the energy
change of the electron.

The three groups of lines in the hydrogen

spectrum correspond to the transition of
electrons from higher energy levels to lower
energy levels.

The glass tubes in lighted signs contain helium,

neon, argon, krypton, or xenon gas, or a mixture
of these gases. Why do the colors of the light
depend on the gases that are used?

The glass tubes in lighted signs contain helium,

neon, argon, krypton, or xenon gas, or a mixture
of these gases. Why do the colors of the light
depend on the gases that are used?
Each different gas has

its own characteristic
emission spectrum,
creating different colors
of light when excited
electrons return to the
ground state.
In the hydrogen spectrum, which of

the following transitions produces a
spectral line of the greatest energy?
A. n = 2 to n = 1
B. n = 3 to n = 2
C. n = 4 to n = 3

In the hydrogen spectrum, which of

the following transitions produces a
spectral line of the greatest energy?
A. n = 2 to n = 1
B. n = 3 to n = 2
C. n = 4 to n = 3

the Quantum Mechanical Model > Quantum Mechanics
Quantum Mechanics
How does quantum mechanics
differ from classical mechanics?

Given that light behaves as waves and
particles, can particles of matter behave as
waves?

Given that light behaves as waves and
particles, can particles of matter behave as
waves?
• Louis de Broglie referred to the wavelike
behavior of particles as matter waves.
• His reasoning led him to a mathematical
expression for the wavelength of a moving
particle.

The Wavelike Nature of Matter
Today, the wavelike properties of beams of
electrons are useful in viewing objects that cannot
be viewed with an optical microscope.

The Wavelike Nature of Matter
Today, the wavelike properties of beams of
electrons are useful in viewing objects that cannot
be viewed with an optical microscope.
• The electrons in an electron
microscope have much smaller
wavelengths than visible light.
• These smaller wavelengths allow a
much clearer enlarged image of a
very small object, such as this pollen
grain, than is possible with an ordinary
microscope.
Classical mechanics adequately

describes the motions of bodies
much larger than atoms, while
quantum mechanics describes the
motions of subatomic particles
and atoms as waves.

The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle
The Heisenberg uncertainty principle

states that it is impossible to know both the
velocity and the position of a particle at the
same time.

The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle

states that it is impossible to know both the
velocity and the position of a particle at the
same time.
• This limitation is critical when dealing with
small particles such as electrons.
• But it does not matter for ordinary-sized
objects such as cars or airplanes.

• To locate an electron, you might strike it with a photon.
• The electron has such a small mass that striking it with a
photon affects its motion in a way that cannot be
predicted accurately.
• The very act of measuring the position of the electron
changes its velocity, making its velocity uncertain.
Before collision: After collision:

A photon strikes The impact
an electron changes the
during an attempt electron’s velocity,
to observe the making it
electron’s uncertain.
position.


states that it is impossible to
simultaneously know which two
attributes of a particle?


states that it is impossible to
simultaneously know which two
attributes of a particle?
velocity and position

5.3 Atomic Emission Spectra and Key Concepts and
the Quantum Mechanical Model > Key Equations
When atoms absorb energy, their electrons move

to higher energy levels. These electrons lose
energy by emitting light when they return to lower
energy levels.
To explain the photoelectric effect, Einstein
proposed that light could be described as quanta
of energy that behave as if they were particles.
The light emitted by an electron moving from a
higher to a lower energy level has a frequency
directly proportional to the energy change of the
electron.
5.3 Atomic Emission Spectra and Key Concepts and
the Quantum Mechanical Model > Key Equations
Classical mechanics adequately describes the

motions of bodies much larger than atoms,
while quantum mechanics describes the
motions of subatomic particles and atoms as
waves.
C = 
E=h
the Quantum Mechanical Model > Glossary Terms
• amplitude: the height of a wave’s crest

• wavelength: the distance between adjacent
crests of a wave
• frequency: the number of wave cycles that
pass a given point per unit of time; frequency
and wavelength are inversely proportional to
each other
• hertz: the unit of frequency, equal to one
cycle per second

• electromagnetic radiation: energy waves

that travel in a vacuum at a speed of 2.998 
108 m/s; includes radio waves, microwaves,
infrared waves, visible light, ultraviolet
waves, X-rays, and gamma rays
• spectrum: wavelengths of visible light that
are separated when a beam of light passes
through a prism; range of wavelengths of
electromagnetic radiation

• atomic emission spectrum: the pattern
formed when light passes through a prism or
diffraction grating to separate it into the
different frequencies of light it contains
• Planck’s constant: the constant (h) by
which the amount of radiant energy (E) is
proportional to the frequency of the radiation
()
• photoelectric effect: the phenomenon in
which electrons are ejected when light
shines on a metal
• photon: a quantum of light; a discrete

bundle of electromagnetic energy that
interacts with matter similarly to particles
• ground state: the lowest possible energy of
an atom described by quantum mechanics
• Heisenberg uncertainty principle: it is
impossible to know both the velocity and the
position of a particle at the same time

the Quantum Mechanical Model > BIG IDEA
Electrons and the Structure of Atoms
• Electrons can absorb energy to move from

one energy level to a higher energy level.
• When an electron moves from a higher
energy level back down to a lower energy
level, light is emitted.

END OF 5.3

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5.

3 Atomic Emission Spectra and

5.1 Revising the Atomic Model

5.2 Electron Arrangement in Atoms

5.3 Atomic Emission Spectra

1 Copyright © Pearson Education, Inc., or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

What gives gas-filled lights their colors?

2 Copyright © Pearson Education, Inc., or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Light and Atomic Emission Spectra

What causes atomic emission

3 Copyright © Pearson Education, Inc., or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

The Nature of Light

4 Copyright © Pearson Education, Inc., or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

The Nature of Light

• The SI unit of cycles per second is called

5 Copyright © Pearson Education, Inc., or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

The Nature of Light

The product of frequency and wavelength

6 Copyright © Pearson Education, Inc., or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

The frequency () and wavelength () of

7 Copyright © Pearson Education, Inc., or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

The Nature of Light

8 Copyright © Pearson Education, Inc., or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

The Nature of Light

9 Copyright © Pearson Education, Inc., or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

The electromagnetic spectrum consists of

102 10-8 10-14

Atomic Emission Spectra

When atoms absorb energy, their

11 Copyright © Pearson Education, Inc., or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Atomic Emission Spectra

Atomic Emission Spectra

Atomic Emission Spectra

14 Copyright © Pearson Education, Inc., or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Calculating the Wavelength of Light

15 Copyright © Pearson Education, Inc., or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

1 Analyze List the knowns and the unknown.

Use the equation c =  to solve for the

16 Copyright © Pearson Education, Inc., or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

2 Calculate Solve for the unknown.

Write the expression that relates the

17 Copyright © Pearson Education, Inc., or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

2 Calculate Solve for the unknown.

Rearrange the equation to solve for .

18 Copyright © Pearson Education, Inc., or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

2 Calculate Solve for the unknown.

Substitute the known values for  and c into

c 2.998  108 m/s

19 Copyright © Pearson Education, Inc., or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

3 Evaluate Does the answer make sense?

The magnitude of the frequency is much

20 Copyright © Pearson Education, Inc., or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

What is the frequency of a red laser

21 Copyright © Pearson Education, Inc., or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

What is the frequency of a red laser

c 2.998  108 m/s

22 Copyright © Pearson Education, Inc., or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

The Quantum Concept and Photons

How did Einstein explain the