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Quantum & Atomic Physics

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Quantum & Atomic Physics

Particle in a Box

A elementary quantum model describing a particle trapped inside a 1D rigid box with impenetrable potential barriers (infinite potential…

E_n = (n² π² ℏ²) / (2 m L²), ψ_n(x) = √(2/L) sin(n π x / L) eV or Joules
Quantum & Atomic Physics

Paschen Series

The spectral series of hydrogen atom emission lines produced by electron transitions dropping from upper energy states to the n=3 level.

1 / λ = R_H (1 / 3² - 1 / n_i²), n_i = 4, 5, 6... Infrared Wavelengths (nm)
Quantum & Atomic Physics

Pauli Exclusion Principle

A fundamental quantum law stating that two identical fermions cannot occupy the exact same quantum state simultaneously.

No two identical fermions can occupy the same quantum state: ψ(1,2) = -ψ(2,1) Dimensionless Quantum Law
Quantum & Atomic Physics

Phosphorescence

A type of photoluminescence where absorbed energy is emitted slowly over time due to spin-forbidden quantum transitions.

τ_phosphorescence ~ 10⁻³ s to hours Seconds to Hours (Lifetime)
Quantum & Atomic Physics

Photoelectric Effect

The emission of electrons from a metal surface when light of frequency above a threshold value shines upon it.

K_max = h ν - Φ = e V_stopping eV or Joules
Quantum & Atomic Physics

Planck's Law & Blackbody Radiation

The foundational law describing the spectral radiance of electromagnetic radiation emitted by a blackbody in thermal equilibrium.

B_ν(T) = (2 h ν³ / c²) / (e^(h ν / (k_B T)) - 1), E = h ν W / (m²·sr·Hz)
Quantum & Atomic Physics

Population Inversion

A non-equilibrium state of a quantum system where more atoms reside in a higher excited energy state than in lower energy states.

N₂ > N₁ (Excited state density > Ground state density) Dimensionless Condition
Quantum & Atomic Physics

Principal Quantum Number

The primary quantum number designating the main electron shell, overall orbital size, and principal energy level of an electron in an atom.

n = 1, 2, 3, 4... Dimensionless Integer
Quantum & Atomic Physics

Probability Density

The probability per unit volume of finding a quantum particle at a specific spatial position at a given time.

P(x) = |ψ(x, t)|² = ψ*(x, t) ψ(x, t) m⁻¹ (1D) or m⁻³ (3D)