Light and Electronic Transitions
The Big Questions What is light? How is light emitted? What do electrons have to do with light? What are emission spectra? How do flame tests help identify metals?
The Electromagnetic Spectrum All light is part of the EM spectrum. Most is invisible: gamma, X-rays, UV, IR, microwaves, radio waves Visible light: wavelength (w.l.) from 400 to 700 nm.
The EM Spectrum
EM Radiation Light is a carrier of energy. Energy is proportional to frequency. Frequency is inversely proportional to wavelength. Longer wavelength = lower frequency = lower energy. Shorter wavelength = higher frequency = greater energy.
Electrons and Quanta Ground state – the lowest energy position an e- can occupy. Excited state – a temporary high-energy position. Quantum (pl. quanta) – the amount of energy needed to move an e- to a higher energy level.
Electrons and Quanta If an atom absorbs exactly 1 quantum of energy, an electron can be boosted from a ground state to an excited state. The electron is only in the excited state for a very short period of time. Soon the e- returns to its ground state and emits the quantum of energy as light. In some cases the emitted light is in the visible spectrum.
Light and Electrons Excited state (E.S.) electron 1 quantum Ground state (G.S.) electron
Light and Electrons Excited state (E.S.) electron 1 quantum Ground state (G.S.) electron Excited state (E.S.) electron 1 quantum
Light and Electrons
Emission Spectrum Emission spectrum – wavelengths of light given off by an element when it is excited (usu. by heat). Every element has unique emission spectrum.
Emission Spectra Hydrogen Helium Carbon
Aluminum Argon Calcium Carbon Helium Hydrogen Iron Krypton Magnesium Neon Nitrogen Oxygen Sodium Sulfur Xenon
Flame Tests Flame test – used to ID some metals in compounds. Each metal gives a flame a characteristic color. Can identify metals based on flame colors.
Hydrogen Atom 434 nm 656 nm 486 nm 410 nm -e -e -e -e -e 400 nm 700 nm 2 656 nm -e 1 -e +P 486 nm 410 nm -e -e 400 nm 700 nm
Emission and Absorption Lines Lines come from electron transitions Energy change either comes from (absorption) or is given to (emission) photon. E Photon energy Frequency E = hf Frequency 1/(Wavelength) f = c/l Wavelength means COLOR