What is the relationship between wavelength and excited shells in atoms?

AI Thread Summary
The relationship between wavelength and atomic excited states is clarified, emphasizing that wavelength is not equal to the distance between excited and ground state shells. Instead, the energy difference between these states determines the wavelength, with larger energy differences resulting in shorter wavelengths. The discussion highlights that focusing on physical spacing between shells is misleading; energy changes are the critical factor. Ultimately, understanding this relationship is essential for grasping atomic behavior and light emission. The conversation underscores the importance of energy rather than spatial distance in this context.
keepit
Messages
94
Reaction score
0
is the wavelength equal to the distance between the excited state shell and the rest state shell?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
keepit said:
is the wavelength equal to the distance between the excited state shell and the rest state shell?
No.

Could you please give more context. Are you talking about atoms?
 
keepit said:
is the wavelength equal to the distance between the excited state shell and the rest state shell?

In fact, that statement is totally the wrong way round :wink:. The bigger the spacing between the shells (not a good way of looking at it, really because it's the energy difference that counts, rather than the hand-waving idea of spacing) the shorter the wavelength. This is because the frequency associated with the emitted is proportional to the energy change in the atom.
 
  • Like
Likes 1 person
yes, i was talking about atoms but i guess the answer is no.
 

Thread 'Need help understanding particle physics and quantum physics'

So I know that electrons are fundamental, there's no 'material' that makes them up, it's like talking about a colour itself rather than a car or a flower. Now protons and neutrons and quarks and whatever other stuff is there fundamentally, I want someone to kind of teach me these, I have a lot of questions that books might not give the answer in the way I understand. Thanks
View full post »

Similar threads

B Do Electrons Get Excited and De-Excited Equally in Colored Compounds?
Replies
2
Views
2K
I De Broglie Wavelength at rest: λ = h/p = h/0 when v=0?
Replies
5
Views
2K
A mathematical description of the physics behind Aurora?
Replies
3
Views
2K
A Spontaneous emission and coherence
Replies
1
Views
961
A When to use collective and when shell model?
Replies
0
Views
1K
I Why Does Spectral Line Darkening Occur Despite Photon Re-Emission?
Replies
2
Views
2K
I How Does Superradiance Enhance Radiation Intensity?
Replies
1
Views
1K
B What happens to excess energy when an electron gets excited by light?
Replies
7
Views
2K
I Why does the effect linger with Glow in the dark?
Replies
16
Views
5K
A How Do Measurements and Excitation Wavelengths Affect Single NV Center Analysis?
Replies
1
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top