Energy Quantization
Bohr suggested that the electron in the atom exist in discrete energy known as quantizaton which can
be removed fom one level to the other. Energy in such bodies is emitted in separate or discrete energy
packet called energy quanta (E0
E =hf
H = planck’s constant.
ENERGY LEVEL IN AN ATOM
Electrons in atoms are arranged around their nuclei in position known as energy level or electron
shell. It requires more energy to remove electrons from the first energy level than to remove
electrons from any of the other higher levels. The energy of an electron is given by the relation .
E= - 1 R
n2
n = electron quantum number
R = a constant
The minus sign signifies that work must be done on the electron to remove it from the atom.
ENERGY LEVEL DIAGRAM
E n=
E4 n=5
E3 n=
E2 n =3
E1 n =2
Eo
n = 1 (ground state)
The ground state is the stable state or an atom corresponding to its minimum energy. When an atom is
heated with an energetic particle, the atom is excited. An excited state is an allowed state of higher
energy when the atom is unstable. One electron volt (IeV)
is the energy acquired by an electron in falling freely through a p.d of 1
Volt = 1.6 x 10 -19J.
During the excitation from lower energy level, the potential energy is converted into Kinetic energy
so that the electrons eventually acquire a velocity given by:
K. E = ½ MV2 = eV.
The energy gained by electron = charge x p.d = eV. Therefore, the electron moves from one level to
the other according to the relation.
En – Eo = hf = eV
λ
Worked example
1.The change in energy level of an electron in an atom is 6.2 x 10 -21J. Calculate :
(a) the frequency of the photon
(b) the wavelength
( C = 3.0 x 108 ms -1, h = 6.625 x 10 -34Js)
∆ E = En-Eo = 6.2 x 10 -21J
∆E = hf
f = ∆E = 6.2 x 10-21
h 6.625 x 10-34
f = 9.358 x 10 2Hz
But C = f λ
:. λ = C = 3.0 x 108∆
f 9.4 x 1012
2.An atom excited to an energy level E2 = -12 .42 x 10-19J falls to a ground level of energy Eo = -
30.3 x 10-19J. Calculate the frequency and the wavelength of the emitted photon.
∆E = E2- Eo
= -12.42 x 10-19 – ( -30.3 x 10-19J )
= 17.88 x 10-19J
f = ∆E = 1.788 x 10-18
h 6.625 x 10-34
f = 2.698 x 1015 Hz.
3.The ground state of hydrogen is -26.3eV and the second state is -10.3eV. Calculate the wavelength
of the radiation if the electron returns to the ground state.
∆E = E2 – EO = -10.3EV – (-26.3ev)
= 16ev
1ev = 1.6 x 10-19 J
:. 16ev = 16 x 1.6 x 10-19J
∆E = hf = hc
λ
:.λ = hc = 6.625 x1034 x 3.0 x 108
∆E 16 x 1.6 x 10-19
= 1.9875 x 10-25
1.56 x 10-18
λ = 7.76 x 10-19 m
4.If the p.d by which an electron moves is 1.5kv. Calculate the velocity with which the electron
moves if the ration of its charge to mass is 1.9 x 1011 c kg-1 (b) the kinetic energy .
KE = ½ mv2 = ev
2ev =mv2
v2 = 2ev
m
But e/m = 1.8 x 1011
V = √2 x 1.5 x 103 x 1.8 x 1011
V = 2.3 x 107m/s
Ke = eV
= 1.6 x 10-19 x 1.5x 103
= 2.4 x 10-16J.
LINE SPECTRA FROM HOT BODIES
If the light of excited gas is examined in a spectrometer, an emission spectrum is seen e.g Neon
produces a line spectrum. The spectrum consist of a number of well defined lines, each having a
particular wavelength and frequency .
ABSORPTION SPECTRA
Absorption spectra are dark lines in the emission spectrum of a heated substance due to absorption of
radiation Electrons absorb radiation if they jump from lower energy level to higher energy level.
SPECTRA OF DISCHARGE LAMP
If a gas put into a discharge tube and if its pressure is progressively reduced using a power pump as
shown below
When a high p.d is applied at low pressure, an electric discharge takes place in the tube and the gas
glows. The gas glows because its atom is given energy by the flow of electricity through the tube.
The colour of the gas depends on the nature of the gas used .
Reading Assignment.
New School physics pgs
Weekend assignment
1.when an atom is in ground state, it is said to be
(A) excited (B) stable (C) ionized
2.Which of the following have the greatest penetrating power?
(A)Beta ray (B) Gammar rays (C ) X- rays.
3.Which of the following give rise to the line spectra obtained from atoms.
(A)change of electron from a higher to lower energy level
(B) potential energy of the electron inside an atom
(C ) Excitement of an electron in the atom
4.Which of the following statement is correct about cathode rays. They are fast moving
(A) atoms (B)ions (C ) electrons
5.The nucleon number and the proton number of a neutral atom are 238 and 92 respectively. What is
the number of neutrons in the atom?
(A ) 146 (B) 330 (C ) 73.
Theory
1.Explain the term excitation
2.An electron jumps from one energy level to another in an atom radiating 9.0 x 10-19J. if h = 6.6 x
10 -34jS and C = 3.0 x 108m/s, what is the wavelength of the radiation.
