Quantum & Atomic Physics
6 terms
Fermi Energy
Quantum & Atomic Physics
eV or Joules
The highest occupied kinetic energy state of non-interacting fermions in a quantum system at absolute zero temperature (0 K).
E_F = (ℏ² / (2 m)) (3 π² n)^(2/3)
Fermions
Quantum & Atomic Physics
Dimensionless Particle Class
Subatomic particles possessing half-integer intrinsic spin that obey Fermi-Dirac statistics and the Pauli Exclusion Principle.
Spin = ½, ³/₂, ⁵/₂...
Fine Structure
Quantum & Atomic Physics
eV (Energy Splitting)
The small splitting of atomic spectral lines resulting from relativistic mass corrections and spin-orbit coupling.
E_fine ~ α² E_n, α ≈ 1 / 137
Finite Potential Well
Quantum & Atomic Physics
eV or Joules
A quantum potential well model with barriers of finite energy height V₀.
V(x) = V₀ for |x| > a, V(x) = 0 for |x| ≤ a
Fluorescence
Quantum & Atomic Physics
Nanoseconds (Lifetime)
The rapid absorption of light at a shorter wavelength followed by immediate emission of light at a longer wavelength.
h ν_emitted < h ν_absorbed (Stokes Shift)
Franck-Hertz Experiment
Quantum & Atomic Physics
eV (Electron-Volts)
An influential 1914 physics experiment that directly demonstrated the existence of quantized discrete energy states in mercury atoms.
E_loss = h ν = 4.9 eV (for Mercury vapor)