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.
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.
What is the process of radioactive decay?
An unstable nucleus emits particles and energy, transforming into a different nucleus. This is a probabilistic process.
What are the steps of photon absorption?
A photon interacts with an atom. If the photon's energy matches the energy difference between two energy levels, the atom absorbs the photon. The electron jumps to a higher energy level.
What are the steps of photon emission?
An electron in an excited state drops to a lower energy level. The atom emits a photon with energy equal to the energy difference between the two levels. This can occur spontaneously or be stimulated by an incoming photon.