The History of the Electron When we last left the atom, this is how it looked

But first, we have to talk about what a wave is. What makes up a wave? Wavelength (λ) – the distance form one point on a wave to the same point on the next wave. Frequency – waves that pass a point per second Amplitude – how far a wave rises or falls

Wavelength and Frequency

Waves and Energy The higher the frequency, the higher the energy The longer the wavelength, the lower the energy

Electromagnetic Spectrum What is an electromagnetic spectrum?  All of the frequencies or wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. Spectrum from shortest wavelength to the longest cosmic  gamma  X-rays  ultraviolet (UV)  visible  infrared (IR)  microwave  radar  TV  Radio

A nicer Picture of the Electromagnetic Spectrum ROY G BIV backwards Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet Remember the three L’s are on this side (Low energy, Low frequency, long wavelength)

Let’s Practice 1) What has the longer wavelength: X-rays verses visible 2) What has the longer wavelength: gamma verses cosmic 3) What has the higher energy: infrared verses radio 4) What has the higher energy: microwave verses infrared 5) What has the highest frequency: gamma verses radio 6) What has the highest frequency: TV verses UV

See if you can find the humor in this:

Now, how do waves relate to the atom? That brings us to Quantum Mechanics and a few more scientists

Line Spectra of Excited Atoms Excited atoms emit light of only certain wavelengths The wavelengths of emitted light depend on the element.