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

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    Excited Wavelength
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between wavelength and the energy levels (or shells) of atoms, specifically addressing whether wavelength corresponds to the distance between excited state shells and ground state shells. The scope includes conceptual understanding of atomic structure and energy transitions.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if wavelength is equal to the distance between excited state and ground state shells.
  • Another participant asserts that the initial statement is incorrect, emphasizing that the energy difference, rather than spatial distance, is what determines wavelength, with a shorter wavelength corresponding to a larger energy difference.
  • A later reply confirms the focus on atoms but reiterates uncertainty regarding the initial claim.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach consensus, as there are competing views regarding the relationship between wavelength and atomic energy levels, with some asserting a direct connection to energy differences rather than physical distances.

Contextual Notes

Participants express limitations in understanding the relationship, highlighting the need for clarity on the definitions of terms like "spacing" and "energy difference." There is also an indication that the initial framing of the question may not adequately capture the underlying physics.

keepit
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is the wavelength equal to the distance between the excited state shell and the rest state shell?
 
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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.
 
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yes, i was talking about atoms but i guess the answer is no.
 

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