Quantum & Atomic Physics
4 terms
Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle
Quantum & Atomic Physics
J·s (Action Units)
A fundamental quantum limit stating that canonical conjugate physical variables (such as position and momentum, or energy and time) cannot be simultaneously measured with arbitrary precision.
Δx Δp ≥ ℏ / 2, ΔE Δt ≥ ℏ / 2
Hund's Rule of Maximum Multiplicity
Quantum & Atomic Physics
Dimensionless Rule
A rule stating that when filling degenerate atomic orbitals, electrons occupy separate orbitals singly with parallel spins before pairing up.
S_total = ∑ s_i (Maximized spin in degenerate orbitals)
Hydrogen Spectrum
Quantum & Atomic Physics
m⁻¹ (Wavenumber)
The set of discrete electromagnetic emission and absorption lines produced when the electron in a hydrogen atom transitions between energy levels.
1 / λ = R_H (1 / n_f² - 1 / n_i²)
Hyperfine Structure
Quantum & Atomic Physics
eV or MHz (Small Energy Splitting)
Extremely small energy level splittings in atoms caused by interaction between nuclear magnetic moments and electron magnetic fields.
ΔE_HFS ∝ I_nucleus · J_electron