Journal Entry:

 What type of light helps us to learn about atomic structure?

Learning Intentions

• You will understand why the classical shell model of an atom has been refined to the quantum mechanical model using data from line spectra, and ionization energy and photoelectron spectroscopy (PES).

• You will learn ways to excite electrons and what the energy emitted from excited electrons looks like.  

• You will learn what spectroscopy is and how it is used to explore electron structure, molecular vibrational and rotational levels.

• You will learn how infrared radiation is associated with transition in molecular vibrations and so can be used to detect the presence of different types of bonding and ultraviolet/visible radiation is associated with transitions in electronic energy levels and so can be used to probe electronic structure.

Closing Task:

You can demonstrate your understanding of writing electron configurations and analyzing Photoelectron Spectroscopy (PES)

Content Standards being covered:

The currently accepted best model of the atom is based on the quantum mechanical model. (EK 1.C.2)

The interaction of electromagnetic waves or light with matter is a powerful means to probe the structure of atoms and molecules and to measure their concentration. (EK 1.D.3)

The electronic structure of the atom can be described using an electron configuration that reflects the concept of electrons in quantized energy levels or shells, the energetics of the electron in the atom can be understood by consideration of Coulomb's law (EK 1.B.2)