The Quantum Model of the Atom

Front

Quantized Adjective

---

[kwon-tahyz-d]

Back

Quantized

---

Restricted to discrete, specific values rather than a continuous range, such as the energy levels of an atom.

---

Example: This emission spectrum shows that an element, like sodium, only gives off light at specific, discrete colors (wavelengths), not a continuous rainbow. This is evidence that electron energy levels in an atom are quantized.

Front

de Broglie Wavelength Noun

---

[duh broy-lee weyv-length]

Back

de Broglie Wavelength

---

The wavelength associated with a moving particle, which demonstrates the wave-particle duality of matter and radiation.

---

Example: This image shows that for an electron to have a stable orbit in an atom, its associated wave must fit perfectly, like the 'in phase' wave (A).

Front

Quantum Model Noun

---

[kwon-tuhm mod-l]

Back

Quantum Model

---

The modern atomic model describing electron locations in terms of probabilities within an electron cloud, not fixed orbits.

---

Example: This diagram shows the Quantum Model of an atom, where the central nucleus is surrounded by an 'electron cloud,' a region representing the probable location of electrons.

Front

Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle Noun

---

[hahy-zuhn-burg uhn-sur-tn-tee prin-suh-puhl]

Back

Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle

---

The fundamental principle stating it is impossible to simultaneously measure the exact position and momentum of a particle.

---

Example: This diagram shows that trying to measure an electron's position with a photon (light) changes the electron's path, illustrating you can't know both simultaneously.

Front

Electron Cloud Noun

---

[ih-lek-tron kloud]

Back

Electron Cloud

---

The region of space around an atomic nucleus where an electron has a high probability of being found.

---

Example: This diagram shows a central nucleus surrounded by a shaded 'cloud,' which represents the area where an atom's electrons are most likely to be found.

Front

Quantum Mechanics Noun

---

[kwon-tuhm mi-kan-iks]

Back

Quantum Mechanics

---

The physics field describing the wave properties of matter and the behavior of energy at atomic and subatomic levels.

---

Example: This diagram shows that in quantum mechanics, tiny objects like photons can behave as both a wave and a particle, a concept called wave-particle duality.

Front

Incoherent Light Noun

---

[in-koh-heer-uhnt lahyt]

Back

Incoherent Light

---

Light composed of waves that are out of phase with each other, with their crests and troughs not aligned.

---

Example: Incoherent light consists of light waves that are out of phase, meaning their peaks and troughs do not line up, creating a jumbled pattern.

Front

Coherent Light Noun

---

[koh-heer-uhnt lahyt]

Back

Coherent Light

---

Light composed of waves that are in phase, meaning their crests and troughs are aligned in time and space.

---

Example: This diagram shows how light from a single source passing through two small slits creates two coherent light sources, where the light waves are in phase.

Front

Photon Noun

---

[foh-ton]

Back

Photon

---

A discrete particle or quantum of light, or other electromagnetic radiation, with zero mass but possessing energy and momentum.

---

Example: When an electron in an atom drops from a high energy level to a lower one, it releases a packet of light energy called a photon.

Front

Ground State Noun

---

[ground steyt]

Back

Ground State

---

The lowest possible energy state of an atom or other quantum system, where it is most stable.

---

Example: This diagram shows an atom's electrons in their lowest, most stable energy levels, which is called the ground state.