Quantum & Atomic Physics
60 terms · page 3 of 3
Rydberg Constant
Quantum & Atomic Physics
m⁻¹ (Reciprocal Meters)
A fundamental physical constant expressing the limiting wavenumber of atomic spectral lines for infinitely heavy nuclei.
R_∞ = (m_e e⁴) / (8 ε₀² h³ c) ≈ 1.097373 × 10⁷ m⁻¹
Schrödinger Equation
Quantum & Atomic Physics
Energy (Eigenvalue E in Joules or eV)
A fundamental partial differential equation describing how the quantum wave function of a physical system evolves deterministically over time.
i ℏ (∂ψ / ∂t) = Ĥ ψ, Ĥ ψ = E ψ
Selection Rules
Quantum & Atomic Physics
Dimensionless Quantum Rules
A set of quantum mechanical rules constraining allowed radiative transitions between atomic energy states.
Δl = ±1, Δm_l = 0, ±1
Spin-Orbit Coupling
Quantum & Atomic Physics
eV (Energy Shift)
A relativistic quantum interaction between an electron's intrinsic spin magnetic moment and the internal magnetic field created by its orbital motion around the nucleus.
H_SO = ξ(r) L · S
Spontaneous Emission
Quantum & Atomic Physics
s⁻¹ (Transition Rate)
The process by which an excited atom or quantum system spontaneously decays to a lower energy state, emitting a photon of random phase and direction.
Rate = A₂₁ N₂
Stark Effect
Quantum & Atomic Physics
eV (Energy Shift)
The shifting and splitting of atomic spectral lines caused by the presence of an external static electric field.
ΔE = -p · E_ext (First-order: ΔE ∝ E_ext)
Stern-Gerlach Experiment
Quantum & Atomic Physics
N (Force), J/T (Magnetic Moment)
A landmark 1922 experiment that proved space quantization and the intrinsic angular momentum (spin) of subatomic particles.
F_z = μ_z (∂B_z / ∂z), S_z = ± ℏ / 2
Stimulated Emission
Quantum & Atomic Physics
s⁻¹ (Transition Rate)
The process in which an incoming photon stimulates an excited atom to drop to a lower state, emitting a second identical photon.
Rate = B₂₁ ρ(ν) N₂
Wave Function
Quantum & Atomic Physics
m^(-3/2) (in 3D space)
A complex-valued mathematical function containing all the physical information about the state of an isolated quantum mechanical system.
ψ(x, t) = A e^(i (k x - ω t))
Wave-Particle Duality
Quantum & Atomic Physics
Dimensionless Concept
The fundamental quantum mechanical principle stating that every subatomic entity exhibits both wave-like and particle-like behavior depending on the experimental measurement.
E = h ν, p = h / λ
Zeeman Effect
Quantum & Atomic Physics
eV (Energy Shift)
The splitting of atomic spectral lines into multiple closely spaced components in the presence of an external static magnetic field.
ΔE = g_L μ_B m_j B
Zero-Point Energy
Quantum & Atomic Physics
eV or Joules
The lowest possible quantum mechanical energy state that a physical system may possess at absolute zero temperature (0 K).
E₀ = ½ ℏ ω (for harmonic oscillator)