Quantized energy levels: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 14:26, 16 April 2023

Que Le Fall 2023

The Main Idea

The negatively charged electrons around an atomic nucleus are held in orbit by attraction to the positively charged protons in the nucleus. Electrons are only permitted to exist in rigidly defined orbits known as a "stationary orbit" with specific radii which correspond to specific energy levels. The lowest energy and smallest radius orbit of one hydrogen electron has the exact same radius and energy level of any other hydrogen electron. This behavior occurs due to the wave-particle duality of electrons and results in a formulaic and regular behavior of energy levels in each stationary orbit. Because the energy levels of each orbit are not a continuous spectrum, and rather exist at discrete values, they are said to be 'quantized'. Quantization is a transition from a classical understanding of physical principles to a more modern understanding.

The various levels of energy and orbital radii associated with an electron are described using its principle quantum number (often denoted as [math]\displaystyle{ n }[/math]). A principle quantum number [math]\displaystyle{ n }[/math] of 1 indicates that the electron is in the orbit (or 'shell') closest to the nucleus; this state is of the lowest energy level and is referred to as the 'ground state'. A principle quantum number of greater than 1 indicates an electron in a larger orbit and higher energy level; this state is referred to as 'excited'. Less energy is required to free an electron from an excited state.

The energy levels and radii of orbiting electrons are rigid and not continuous. When an electron transitions to an orbit of greater radius and thus higher energy it does so automatically. At the ground state (n = 1) an electron orbiting Hydrogen has an energy of -13.1 eV and orbits the atom at a radius of 0.0529 nm. At the first excited state (n = 2) the electron has an energy of -3.275 eV and orbits at a radius of .2116 nm. The electron at no point has an energy between -13.1 eV and -3.275 eV and at no point exists between .0529 nm and .2116 nm, but rather only at those exact values and any change between them is instantaneous. This phenomenon is similar to jumping up and down a flight of stairs. You can only stand on the steps and no where in between. Similarly, the electron can only exist at the exact radii and energy levels given by plugging its principle quantum number [math]\displaystyle{ n }[/math] into the relevant formulas. In problem sets this number will either be given or easily derived from given information.

If light is shone through a gas, the gas will absorb the specific wavelengths characteristic of the atoms in the gas. If the light were to be put through a prism of light or a diffraction grating, then there would be absorption lines, or places where the wavelength of light had been absorbed into the gas. This process creates something called an absorption spectrum. Similarly, if this same gas was heated to the right temperature, it would emit the same wavelengths that it absorbed before. Putting this emitted light through a prism or diffraction grating would create an emission spectrum. This is the opposite of an absorption spectrum because it shows the emission lines from the gas instead of the absorption lines.

Mathematical Model

1) The energy of each level can be found using the formula: [math]\displaystyle{ E_n = {\frac{-13.6 eV}{n^2}} }[/math]

Where [math]\displaystyle{ n }[/math] is the principle quantum number. The value will always be negative because electrons in the electron cloud are in a bounded state, so the potential energy is negative.

2) Radius of orbit: [math]\displaystyle{ r_{n} = a_{0}n^2 }[/math]

Where [math]\displaystyle{ a_{0} = {\frac{4π ε_{0}ħ^2}{m_{e}e^2}} = 0.0529 }[/math] nm

3) The energy of a photon is associated to wavelength by [math]\displaystyle{ E = \frac{hc}{\lambda} }[/math]

While the value for each energy level is set in place, the energy of each individual electron can change. This can happen either by an interaction with another electron or a photon. For an electron, they can jump from the ground state to the fourth level if they receive enough energy to match the energy of the fourth level.

Computational Model

The radii of orbits are restricted to certain values due to the wave nature of electrons. Electrons can only exist happily in standing waves and the waves created by an orbit will only be standing if the wavelength follows the formula [math]\displaystyle{ 2pi*r = n }[/math]λ[math]\displaystyle{ _n }[/math]

Consider a wave of λ = 1 and a series of orbits with varying radii. If that wave is laid along the circular path of the orbit, there are only a few specific circumferences that will allow the wave to fit perfectly, forming a standing wave. Any length where the wavelength does not form a standing wave will cause patterns of interference and a stable orbit would be impossible.

Examples

Simple

What is the principle quantum number of an electron orbiting a hydrogen atom with an energy of -.544eV?

1) [math]\displaystyle{ E_{n} = \frac{-13.6 eV}{n^2} }[/math]

2) [math]\displaystyle{ \frac{-13.6eV}{n^2} = -.544eV }[/math]

3) [math]\displaystyle{ n^2 = \frac{-13.6eV}{-.544eV} }[/math]

4) [math]\displaystyle{ n = 5 }[/math]

The Bohr model of the hydrogen atom pictures the electron in its ground state orbiting the proton at a distance of [math]\displaystyle{ 5.3*10^{−11} m }[/math] at a speed of [math]\displaystyle{ 2.5*10^6m/s }[/math]. What is the escape velocity in this model?

1) [math]\displaystyle{ F_e = ma }[/math]

2) [math]\displaystyle{ \frac{kqq}{r^2} = m(\frac{v_t^2}{r}) }[/math]

3) [math]\displaystyle{ \frac{kqq}{r} = m*v_t^2 }[/math]

4) [math]\displaystyle{ v_t = \sqrt(\frac{kq_1q_2}{m_er_{orbit}}) }[/math]

5) [math]\displaystyle{ \sqrt(\frac{8.9*10^9*2*(1.6*10^{-19})^2}{5.3*10^{−11}*9.1*10^{-31}}) }[/math]

   k = 8.9*10**9 # coulombs 
   q = 1.6*10**-19 #charge of electron
   m_e = 9.1*10**-31 # mass of electron
   r = 5.3*10**-11 #radius of orbit
   print(((2*k*q*q)/(m_e*r))**0.5)

Middling

What is the difference in energy between an electron orbiting a hydrogen atom in the [math]\displaystyle{ n }[/math] = 1 orbit, or ground state, and an electron orbiting a different hydrogen atom in the third excited orbit?

1) ∆[math]\displaystyle{ E_{n} }[/math] = [math]\displaystyle{ E(4) - E(1) }[/math]

The third excited state is the n = 4 state

2) ∆[math]\displaystyle{ E_{n} }[/math] = [math]\displaystyle{ {\frac{-13.6eV}{4^2}} - {\frac{-13.6eV}{1^2}} }[/math]

3) ∆[math]\displaystyle{ E_{n} }[/math] = [math]\displaystyle{ -13.6eV({\frac{1}{16}} - {\frac{1}{1}}) }[/math]

4) ∆[math]\displaystyle{ E_{n} }[/math] = [math]\displaystyle{ -13.6eV({\frac{-15}{16}}) }[/math]

5) ∆[math]\displaystyle{ E_{n} }[/math] = [math]\displaystyle{ 12.75eV }[/math]

Difficult

What is the energy of a Hydrogen electron in an orbit of radius .4761 nm?

Using the formula for the radius of the orbit, find the value of n for this electron:

1) [math]\displaystyle{ r = a_{0}n^2 }[/math] where n =1,2,3... and the Bohr Radius [math]\displaystyle{ a_{0} = 0.0529*10^{-9} }[/math]

2) [math]\displaystyle{ n^2 = \frac{r}{a_{0}} = \frac{.4761*10^{-9}}{0.0529*10^{-9}} = 9 }[/math]

Using the value of n, calculate the energy of the electron:

3) [math]\displaystyle{ E_{n} = \frac{-13.6 eV}{n^2} = \frac{-13.6 eV}{9} = -1.51 eV }[/math]

Implications

Until quantization of atomic energy levels occurred, there were a few different experiments that had already been performed that did not make sense. Once researchers discovered the actual way electrons make up the electron cloud as well as the mechanisms that help them jump from level to level, these experiments could be explained. Readings for these three experiments can be found below.

The quantization of energy levels is a fundamental principle of quantum mechanics that applies to all quantum systems, including atoms. It arises from the wave-particle duality of matter, which means that particles like electrons can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like behavior. The quantized energy levels of electrons in atoms have important implications for chemical reactions and the properties of materials, such as the absorption and emission spectra of atoms and molecules. Spectroscopy is a powerful tool that utilizes these principles to study the structure and behavior of matter at the atomic and molecular scale. Additionally, the quantized energy levels of electrons are responsible for chemical bonding, which underlies all of chemistry. When atoms come together to form a molecule, their outermost energy levels interact to form new hybrid energy levels that determine the molecule's properties. Therefore, the quantization of energy levels is a crucial concept in understanding the behavior of matter and light in the quantum world.

History

In the 1814, Joseph von Fraunhofer and William Hyde Wollaston discovered that when viewed closely, the spectrum from sunlight contained dark lines. These lines represented wavelengths of sunlight that were not reaching us. These wavelengths were being absorbed by the sun's atmosphere.

This is a model of the Bohr atom. It shows different levels for the electrons to orbit the nucleus.

In 1911, Rutherford came up with his model for the atom. It used many of the same components of an atom that we know exist today, but it had one glaring issue. His model lacked stability. Classical electromagnetic theory said that the electrons surrounding the nucleus would quickly collapse because they were emitting electromagnetic waves, causing them to lose energy. If this were true, then the atom as we know it would not be able to exist.

Bohr's model of the atom solved this problem. He proposed that the laws of classical mechanics must be reconsidered. His model said that the electron cloud had stationary orbits, a specific set of orbits for electrons. This differed from the assumption that the electron cloud was just a continuum where the electrons were free to orbit the nucleus. His model was similar to the solar system in that electrons orbit the nucleus like planets orbit the sun. Electrons are held in place by electrostatic forces, and planets are held in place by gravitational forces.

References

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/bohr.html
http://www.chemistry.mcmaster.ca/esam/Chapter_3/section_1.html
http://www.colorado.edu/UCB/AcademicAffairs/ArtsSciences/physics/TZD/PageProofs1/TAYL05-144-167.I.pdf
"Emission spectrum-H" by Merikanto, Adrignola - File:Emission spectrum-H.png. Licensed under CC0 via Commons - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Emission_spectrum-H.svg#/media/File:Emission_spectrum-H.svg
"Fraunhofer lines" by Fraunhofer_lines.jpg: nl:Gebruiker:MaureenVSpectrum-sRGB.svg: PhroodFraunhofer_lines_DE.svg: *Fraunhofer_lines.jpg: Saperaud 19:26, 5. Jul. 2005derivative work: Cepheiden (talk)derivative work: Cepheiden (talk) - Fraunhofer_lines.jpgSpectrum-sRGB.svgFraunhofer_lines_DE.svg. Licensed under Public Domain via Commons - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fraunhofer_lines.svg#/media/File:Fraunhofer_lines.svg
http://venables.asu.edu/quant/Dinesh/Bohratom2.html (bohr atom)
"Energy levels" by SVG: Hazmat2 Original: Rozzychan - This file was derived from: Energylevels.png. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Commons - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Energy_levels.svg#/media/File:Energy_levels.svg

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-Created by Keller Porter <br/>
+Que Le Fall 2023
-Revision by Jonathan Ledet Fall 2016
 ==The Main Idea==
@@ Line 15: / Line 14: @@
 If light is shone through a gas, the gas will absorb the specific wavelengths characteristic of the atoms in the gas. If the light were to be put through a prism of light or a diffraction grating, then there would be absorption lines, or places where the wavelength of light had been absorbed into the gas. This process creates something called an absorption spectrum. Similarly, if this same gas was heated to the right temperature, it would emit the same wavelengths that it absorbed before. Putting this emitted light through a prism or diffraction grating would create an emission spectrum. This is the opposite of an absorption spectrum because it shows the emission lines from the gas instead of the absorption lines. <br/>
-===A Mathematical Model===
+==Mathematical Model==
 [[File:level change.jpg]]
-The energy of each level can be found using the formula:<br />
+) The energy of each level can be found using the formula:
-<math>E_n = \frac{-2\pi^2me^4Z^2}{n^2h^2}</math>
+<math>E_n = {\frac{-13.6 eV}{n^2}}</math><br />
-<br />where <math>m</math> is the mass of an electron, <math>e</math> is the magnitude of the electric charge, <math>n</math> is the principle quantum number, <math>h</math> is Planck's constant, and <math>Z</math> is the atomic number of the atom. This gives the energy for a specific atom at each energy level. The value will always be negative because electrons in the electron cloud are in a bounded state, so the potential energy is negative.<br />
+* Where <math>n</math> is the principle quantum number. The value will always be negative because electrons in the electron cloud are in a bounded state, so the potential energy is negative.<br />
-<br />The radius of a given orbital can be found using the equation <math>2pi = n</math>λ<math>_n</math>
+<br />2) Radius of orbit: <math> r_{n} = a_{0}n^2 </math>
+* Where <math> a_{0} = {\frac{4π ε_{0}ħ^2}{m_{e}e^2}} = 0.0529</math> nm
+<br />3) The energy of a photon is associated to wavelength by <math>E = \frac{hc}{\lambda}</math>
-<br />Energy is associated to wavelength by <math>E = \frac{hc}{\lambda}</math>
+<br />While the value for each energy level is set in place, the energy of each individual electron can change. This can happen either by an interaction with another electron or a photon. For an electron, they can jump from the ground state to the fourth level if they receive enough energy to match the energy of the fourth level.
-<br />While the value for each energy level is set in place, the energy of each individual electron can change. This can happen either by an interaction with another electron or a photon. For an electron, they can jump from the ground state to the fourth level if <math>E_{particle} \ge E_4-E_1</math>
+==Computational Model==
-==A Computational Model==
 <br />The radii of orbits are restricted to certain values due to the wave nature of electrons. Electrons can only exist happily in standing waves and the waves created by an orbit will only be standing if the wavelength follows the formula <math>2pi*r = n</math>λ<math>_n</math>
@@ Line 37: / Line 37: @@
 [[File:WaveLengthstoElectrons.jpg]]
-===Simple===
-Will a photon with energy <math>E_{photon} = 10.4eV</math> be able to transition a hydrogen electron in the ground state to the n = 2 level?<br />
+==Examples==
-) <math>E_1 = \frac{-13.6}{1} = -13.6eV</math><br />
+===Simple===
-) <math>E_2 = \frac{-13.6}{2^2} = \frac{-13.6}{4} = -3.4eV</math><br />
+What is the principle quantum number of an electron orbiting a hydrogen atom with an energy of -.544eV?
-) <math>E_2 - E_1 = -3.4eV - -13.6eV = 10.2eV</math>, so it requires <math>10.2eV</math> to transition an electron from the ground state to the second level.<br />
+) <math> E_{n} = \frac{-13.6 eV}{n^2} </math>
-) <math>10.4eV \ge 10.2eV</math><br />
+) <math> \frac{-13.6eV}{n^2} = -.544eV </math>
-Yes, the photon has enough energy to bump the electron from the ground state to the second energy level.
+) <math> n^2 = \frac{-13.6eV}{-.544eV} </math>
-===Middling===
+) <math> n = 5 </math>
-If an electron orbiting hydrogen starts in the n = 4 orbit and ends in the ground state, how many photons with different energies can the atom emit?
+The Bohr model of the hydrogen atom pictures the electron in its ground state orbiting the proton at a distance of <math> 5.3*10^{−11} m </math> at a speed of <math> 2.5*10^6m/s </math>. What is the escape velocity in this model?
+) <math> F_e = ma </math>
-The different possible orbital transitions possible in the atom are (where the numbers indicated are possible values of n):
+) <math> \frac{kqq}{r^2} = m(\frac{v_t^2}{r}) </math>
--> 3
+) <math> \frac{kqq}{r} = m*v_t^2 </math>
--> 2
+) <math> v_t = \sqrt(\frac{kq_1q_2}{m_er_{orbit}}) </math>
--> 1
+) <math> \sqrt(\frac{8.9*10^9*2*(1.6*10^{-19})^2}{5.3*10^{−11}*9.1*10^{-31}}) </math>
--> 2
+    k = 8.9*10**9 # coulombs
+    q = 1.6*10**-19 #charge of electron
+    m_e = 9.1*10**-31 # mass of electron
+    r = 5.3*10**-11 #radius of orbit
+    print(((2*k*q*q)/(m_e*r))**0.5)
--> 1
+===Middling===
--> 1
+What is the difference in energy between an electron orbiting a hydrogen atom in the <math>n</math> = 1 orbit, or ground state, and an electron orbiting a different hydrogen atom in the third excited orbit?
-There are 6 different possible transitions, which correspond to 6 different energy levels the photons emitted from these transitions can have.
-===Difficult===
+) ∆<math>E_{n}</math> = <math>E(4) - E(1)</math>
+* The third excited state is the n = 4 state
-What is the energy of a Hydrogen electron in an orbit of radius .4761 nm? What form of electromagnetic radiation is necessary to free this electron from its orbit?
+) ∆<math>E_{n}</math> = <math> {\frac{-13.6eV}{4^2}} - {\frac{-13.6eV}{1^2}} </math>
+) ∆<math>E_{n}</math> = <math> -13.6eV({\frac{1}{16}} - {\frac{1}{1}}) </math>
-) Using the formula for the radius of the orbit, find the value of n for this electron:
+) ∆<math>E_{n}</math> = <math> -13.6eV({\frac{-15}{16}}) </math>
-<math> r = a_{0}n^2 </math>
+) ∆<math>E_{n}</math> = <math> 12.75eV </math>
-where n =1,2,3... and the Bohr Radius <math>a_{0} = 0.0529*10^{-9} </math>
-<math> n^2 = \frac{r}{a_{0}} = \frac{.4761*10^{-9}}{0.0529*10^{-9}} = 9</math>
+===Difficult===
+What is the energy of a Hydrogen electron in an orbit of radius .4761 nm?
-) Using the value of n, calculate the energy of the electron:
+Using the formula for the radius of the orbit, find the value of n for this electron:
-<math> E_{n} = \frac{-13.6 eV}{n^2} = \frac{-13.6 eV}{9} = -1.51 eV</math>
+) <math> r = a_{0}n^2 </math>
+where n =1,2,3... and the Bohr Radius <math>a_{0} = 0.0529*10^{-9} </math>
+) <math> n^2 = \frac{r}{a_{0}} = \frac{.4761*10^{-9}}{0.0529*10^{-9}} = 9</math>
-) Set the electron's ionization energy (the energy required to free it from its orbit) equal to the energy of a photon (<math> E_{photon} = \frac{hc}{λ}</math>) and solve for the wavelength λ:
+Using the value of n, calculate the energy of the electron:
-<math>E_{Ionization} = |E_{n}| = 1.51 eV </math>
+) <math> E_{n} = \frac{-13.6 eV}{n^2} = \frac{-13.6 eV}{9} = -1.51 eV</math>
-<math>E_{Ionization} = \frac{hc}{λ} </math>
-<math>λ = \frac{hc}{E_{Ionization}} </math>
-<math>λ = \frac{(4.14*10^{-15} eV*s)(2.998*10^8 m/s)}{1.51 eV} = .822 μm </math>
-) Examine the wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation and determine the form with an interval of wavelengths containing .822 μm:
-A wavelength of .822 μm is characteristic of ultraviolet light.
 ==Implications==
@@ Line 112: / Line 108: @@
 #[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photoelectric_effect Photoelectric Effect]
 #[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emission_spectrum Emission Spectra of Atoms]
+The quantization of energy levels is a fundamental principle of quantum mechanics that applies to all quantum systems, including atoms. It arises from the wave-particle duality of matter, which means that particles like electrons can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like behavior. The quantized energy levels of electrons in atoms have important implications for chemical reactions and the properties of materials, such as the absorption and emission spectra of atoms and molecules. Spectroscopy is a powerful tool that utilizes these principles to study the structure and behavior of matter at the atomic and molecular scale. Additionally, the quantized energy levels of electrons are responsible for chemical bonding, which underlies all of chemistry. When atoms come together to form a molecule, their outermost energy levels interact to form new hybrid energy levels that determine the molecule's properties. Therefore, the quantization of energy levels is a crucial concept in understanding the behavior of matter and light in the quantum world.
 ==History==
@@ Line 119: / Line 118: @@
 [[File:Bohr atom.gif|thumb|left|none|This is a model of the Bohr atom. It shows different levels for the electrons to orbit the nucleus.]]
-In 1911, Rutherford came up with his model for the atom. It used all the same components of an atom that we know exist today, but it had one glaring issue. His model lacked stability. Classical electromagnetic theory said that the electrons surrounding the nucleus would quickly collapse because they were emitting electromagnetic waves, causing them to lose energy. If this were true, then the atom as we know it would not be able to exist. <br />
+In 1911, Rutherford came up with his model for the atom. It used many of the same components of an atom that we know exist today, but it had one glaring issue. His model lacked stability. Classical electromagnetic theory said that the electrons surrounding the nucleus would quickly collapse because they were emitting electromagnetic waves, causing them to lose energy. If this were true, then the atom as we know it would not be able to exist. <br />
 <br />Bohr's model of the atom solved this problem. He proposed that the laws of classical mechanics must be reconsidered. His model said that the electron cloud had stationary orbits, a specific set of orbits for electrons. This differed from the assumption that the electron cloud was just a continuum where the electrons were free to orbit the nucleus. His model was similar to the solar system in that electrons orbit the nucleus like planets orbit the sun. Electrons are held in place by electrostatic forces, and planets are held in place by gravitational forces.
 ==References==