Core Atomic Structure II: Electronic Structure

Core Atomic Structure: Electronic Structure

Slide 22 of 44

Emission spectrum of Hydrogen

A voltage difference is applied across the ends of the discharge tube, the source of energy for the electronic excitation (see next slide).

First the H-H bond is broken, producing hydrogen atoms. The further increase of voltage causes the excitation of the hydrogen atoms.

Excitation involves the fast moving electrons between the electrical terminals at the extreme ends of the discharge tube transferring energy to the electrons in hydrogen atom causing them to move farther away from the nucleus.

Hydrogen atoms with its electron in a location other than the first shell (ground state) is referred to as being in an excited state.

Due to the unstable nature of the excited state, the electron relaxes to an inner shell or all the way to the first shell, giving off radiant energy in the process, the magnitude of which depends on the magnitude of the transition.