All Flashcards
What is a wave function (Ψ)?
A mathematical function that describes a particle's quantum state, varying in space and time.
What is probability density?
The square of the absolute value of the wave function (|Ψ|²), representing the probability of finding a particle at a specific point.
What is the de Broglie wavelength?
The wavelength (λ = h/p) associated with a particle's momentum (p), connecting its wave-like behavior.
What is half-life?
The time it takes for half of a radioactive sample to decay.
What is stimulated absorption?
The process where an atom absorbs a photon of the correct energy to jump to a higher energy level.
What is spontaneous emission?
The process where an atom in an excited state spontaneously drops to a lower energy level, emitting a photon.
What is stimulated emission?
The process where an incoming photon triggers an excited atom to drop to a lower energy level, emitting an identical photon.
What is the difference between spontaneous and stimulated emission?
Spontaneous Emission: An atom emits a photon randomly. Stimulated Emission: An incoming photon triggers an atom to emit an identical photon.
What is the difference between photon absorption and emission?
Absorption: Atom gains energy, electron jumps to higher level. Emission: Atom loses energy, electron drops to lower level.
In a standing wave diagram, what do nodes represent?
Points of zero displacement in a standing wave.
In a standing wave diagram, what do antinodes represent?
Points of maximum displacement in a standing wave.