Atomic electron wave frequencies

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the frequencies of electron wave oscillations in atoms at various energy levels, distinct from the frequency of orbital motion. Participants seek to understand specific examples of these frequencies, particularly in common atoms like hydrogen.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the frequencies of electron wave oscillations at different energy levels, emphasizing that they are not referring to orbital motion frequencies.
  • Another participant notes that differences in energy levels manifest as spectral lines.
  • The original poster requests specific examples of electron frequencies in hertz for common atoms, indicating difficulty in finding this information.
  • A later reply suggests looking up the energy levels for hydrogen and mentions the relationship between energy and frequency of oscillation through the equation E = hf, where h is Planck's constant.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on specific frequencies, and multiple viewpoints regarding the relationship between energy levels and frequencies remain present.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the specific frequencies of electron wave oscillations and the dependence on definitions of energy levels and wave functions.

jaketodd
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Hi, I am wondering what sort of frequencies electrons have in atoms at different energy levels. When I say frequency, I'm *not* talking about the frequency of the orbiting motion. I am wondering what the electron wave oscillation frequencies are at the different energy levels. A couple examples would be great.

Thanks!

Jake
 
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The differences in energy levels show themselves as the spectral lines.
 
Thanks. I did some research on that but couldn't piece together specific frequencies. Could you give me an example hertz level of an electron frequency in a common atom please?

Jake
 
Look up the energy levels for (say) hydrogen. The energy is related to the frequency of oscillation of the wave function by E = hf where h is Planck's constant.
 

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