Quantum Mechanics

Study of the behavior (motion and energy)

of electrons within the atom
Importance: Energy arrangement of
electrons within atom determines chemical
behavior (how atoms react)
Rutherford Model of the Atom
Atom contains a nucleus
surrounded by an electron
cloud (yellow below).
Nucleus is composed of
protons and neutrons.
Motion of electrons is not
described.
 Important Question Raised by
Rutherford Model
Since opposite charges attract, why dont
negatively charged electrons get pulled into the
positively charged nucleus?
Laws of physics known in 1911 predict if there
are no restrictions placed on the motion and
energy of electrons inside an atom, electrons
should circle closer and closer to the nucleus
and eventually end up in the nucleus.
 Question Raised by Rutherford Model
Since opposite charges attract, why dont
negatively charged electrons get pulled into the
positively charged nucleus? (Science Trek, EM waves, electric force)
Link to Models of Hydrogen atom
Phet applet
 The Atom is Stable!

Since e- do NOT get pulled into the

nucleus it was very clear to scientists in
1911 that there were very important
properties of the electron that no one
understood!
How do you investigate the
behavior of electrons moving
near the speed of light inside
an atom?
Answer: The behavior of electrons
inside an atom can be explored by
investigating the interaction of light
energy with matter!
Nature of Light

Light is a form of electromagnetic

radiation
Light be visualized as particles
little packets of energy called
photons
Light can also be thought of as
waves. Some of the properties of
light can only be understood in terms
of wave behavior.
 Wavelength and Amplitude
Wavelength distance between 2 wave
crests or troughs
Amplitude- height of wave
 Frequency

Frequency the number of wave crests

that pass a fixed point per second
As wavelength, frequency
Frequency is measured in hertz (s-1)
Link to Frequency ppt
Type of electromagnetic radiation is
determined by its energy. Energy
depends on wavelength and frequency
 Electromagnetic Spectrum
with Visible Light.
L H
O I
W G
H
E
N E
E N
R E
G R
Y G
Y
 Wave Interference

When waves interact, the

amplitudes can either add or
subtract a process called
interference.
Constructive interference -
wave amplitudes add
Destructive interference- wave
amplitudes subtract
Constructive interference
Destructive Interference
Double Slit Experiment

Light projected on a screen through 2 slits

shows dark areas where light disappears
and bright areas where intensity of light
increases.
Result can only be explained by concept of
wave interference.
Link to Phet site
Link to phet double slit