AST-1002 Lecture 6: Light and Atoms
Document Summary
Different elements have different emission line spectra. In an atom, two elements occupy all space outside the nucleus, flying around in orbits. The electron orbits are quantized (only can orbit at certain locations) Related to the ability to do work. Potential energy: the potential amount of energy. Energy is conserved; it goes from one form to another. High potential energy at top (outer orbit), low potential energy at bottom (inner orbit) Ex: electron drops from high potential to slightly lower potential. Photon leaves with less energy, longer wavelength,would appear as red. Ex: electron drops from high potential to lowest potential. Photon leaves with high energy, shorter wavelength, would appear as blue. Ex: photon comes by and gives energy to electron and photon disappears. Electron gains energy and climbs in potential. Accurately count the number of photons receiving in detector. Info goes straight to the computer, able to crunch numbers faster, more conveniently.
