Quantum & Atomic Physics
9 terms
Particle in a Box
Quantum & Atomic Physics
eV or Joules
A elementary quantum model describing a particle trapped inside a 1D rigid box with impenetrable potential barriers (infinite potential well).
E_n = (n² π² ℏ²) / (2 m L²), ψ_n(x) = √(2/L) sin(n π x / L)
Paschen Series
Quantum & Atomic Physics
Infrared Wavelengths (nm)
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...
Pauli Exclusion Principle
Quantum & Atomic Physics
Dimensionless Quantum Law
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)
Phosphorescence
Quantum & Atomic Physics
Seconds to Hours (Lifetime)
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
Photoelectric Effect
Quantum & Atomic Physics
eV or Joules
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
Planck's Law & Blackbody Radiation
Quantum & Atomic Physics
W / (m²·sr·Hz)
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
Population Inversion
Quantum & Atomic Physics
Dimensionless Condition
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)
Principal Quantum Number
Quantum & Atomic Physics
Dimensionless Integer
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...
Probability Density
Quantum & Atomic Physics
m⁻¹ (1D) or m⁻³ (3D)
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)