Class XI

Unit 2:- STRUCTURE OF ATOM

(part 1)
Prepared
xmx
By: Ms Sangeeta Misra, Ms Annie Abraham, Ms Preeti Gangahar, Ms Anju Sachdev, Ms
Suruchi Bharadwaj and Ms Alinda H olla for the students of DPS R K Puram
Charge on electron = Charge on proton = 1.6 x 10-19 C
1) Thomson’s Model of Atom: by J.J Thomson in 1898

This model is also called plum pudding, raisin pudding or watermelon model.

● Demerits:-

It could not satisfactorily explain the

results of scattering experiments,
carried out by Rutherford in 1911.
2. Rutherford’s Model of Atom: Gold foil experiment

Conclusions: Rutherford’s nuclear model of

atom

1. The positive charge and most of the mass of the

atom was densely concentrated in extremely
small region called nucleus.

2. The nucleus is surrounded by electrons that

move around it with very high speed in circular
paths like the planetary system.

3. Electrons and nucleus are held together by

electrostatic forces of attraction.
● Limitations of Rutherford Atomic Model:-

1. Any charged particle during acceleration would give out

energy; and while revolving it would lose energy and
eventually fall into the nucleus.Thus, this model could not
explain the stability of an atom.

2. Rutherford’s atomic model could not explain how the

electrons revolve around the nucleus.
Developments leading to Bohr’s Model of Atom

1. Dual character of the electromagnetic radiations which means that

radiations possess both wave and particle like properties

2. Experimental results regarding atomic spectra which can be

explained only by assuming quantized electronic energy levels in
atoms.
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATIONS ● Maxwell explained that light is a form of electromagnetic
radiation consisting of alternating electrical and magnetic
fields . These fields are transmitted in the form of waves.
● Such waves are called electromagnetic waves or radiations
and are of different types .
● Properties of these waves:-
1. The oscillating electric and magnetic fields produced
by oscillating charged particles are perpendicular to
each other and also to the direction of propagation
of the wave.
2. Unlike sound waves or water waves, electromagnetic
waves do not require medium and can move in
vacuum.
3. All EMR travel with speed = 3 x 108 m/sec
WAVE: is a disturbance originating from a point and propagating in the form of crest and trough in
all directions
 Characteristics of electromagnetic waves
1. Wavelength (λ):- Distance between two adjacent crests or
two adjacent troughs. It’s unit can be metre (m), centimeter
(cm), nanometer (nm), picometer (pm), Angstrom(Å).

1Å = 10-10 m

1 nm = 10-9 m

1 pm = 10-12 m

2. Frequency (𝛎):- Number of cycles which pass through a

given point in one second is called frequency. It is reciprocal
of time period and measured in Hertz (Hz) or s-1. (𝛎 = 1/T)
3) Speed of light (c):- The linear distance travelled by a wave per second is called its speed. It’s S.I. units are m/s
or ms-1. C=𝛎λ

All EMR travel with speed = 3 x 108 m/sec

4) Amplitude (a): It is the height of crest or depth of trough of wave. Units: m, cm, nm , pm etc

5) Wave number (ῡ):- Number of waves per unit distance is called wave number. It is reciprocal of wavelength with
S.I. unit as m-1. (ῡ = 1/λ)

6) Time period (T):- Time taken by a wave to complete one cycle is called its time period. It’s S.I. unit is seconds.
(𝛎 = 1/T)
Q1) If the wavelength of a radiation is 480 nm, calculate its frequency and wave number?
Ans: Speed C = 3 x 108 m/sec,
ῡ = 1/λ = 1_________
480 x 10-9
λ = 480 nm = 480 x 10-9 m, 𝛎 = ? ῡ =?

C=𝛎λ = 2.08 x 106 m-1

𝛎= 3 x 108__ = 6.26 x 1014 sec-1

480 x 10-9
Q2) A radio broadcast at frequency 1556 KHz. What is its wavelength and wavenumber?
Ans: Speed C = 3 x 108 m/sec,𝛎 = 1556 x 103 Hz ῡ = 1/λ = 1_________
192.8
λ = ?, ῡ =? C=𝛎λ
= 5.18 x 10-3 /m
λ= 3 x 10 __ = 192.8 m
8

1556 x 103
Q3. Calculate the wavenumber and frequency of yellow radiation having wavelength 5800 Å.

Ans: Speed C = 3 x 108 m/sec, ῡ = 1/λ = 1_________

5800 x 10-10
λ = 5800 nm = 5800 x 10-10 m, 𝛎 = ? ῡ =?
= 1.72 x 106 m-1
C=𝛎λ

𝛎= 3 x 108__ = 5.17 x 1014 sec-1

5800 x 10-10
Q4. Calculate the wavelength, frequency and wavenumber of a light whose time period is
2x10-10 s

Ans: 𝛎 = 1__ C=𝛎λ ῡ = 1/λ

T = 1_________
= 1____ λ= 3 x 108 6 x 10-2
2x10-10 5 x 109
= 6 x 10-2 m-1
= 5 x 109 Hz = 6 x 10-2 m
ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM: The electromagnetic spectrum is the range of frequencies of electromagnetic
radiation and their respective wavelengths. It is a continuous spectrum where one frequency merges
with other.

V I B G Y O R
Electromagnetic waves show dual nature:

Evidences of wave nature:- Evidences of particle nature:-

1. Reflection 1. Black-body radiations
2. Diffraction 2. Photoelectric effect
3. Dispersion 3. Line spectra of atoms
4. Refraction
5. Interference
6. Polarisation
Black-Body Radiations
● The ideal body, which emits and absorbs all frequencies is called a
black body. And the radiations emitted by such a body are called
black-body radiations.

● When solids are heated, they emit radiations over a wide range of
wavelengths. For example, when an iron rod is heated in a furnace,
it first turns dull red and then progressively becomes more and
more red as the temperature increases. On further heating, the
radiations emitted become white and then blue as the
temperature becomes very high.

● The radiations emitted goes from a lower frequency (higher λ) to a

higher frequency (lower λ) as the temperature increases.

● Intensity of radiation emitted increases with decrease of

wavelength, reaches a maxima and then starts decreasing with
further decrease of wavelength.
 PLANCK’S QUANTUM THEORY
1) Radiant energy is NOT emitted or absorbed continuously but
discontinuously in the form of small packets of energy called
a ‘quantum’ or ‘photon’.
2) The amount of energy of a quantum of radiation is proportional to
its frequency (𝛎). Max Planck
(1858-1947)

E𝝰𝝂
E = h 𝝂 (for a single photon)
OR E=hc
𝝺
[where h is Planck’s constant and has value 6.626 x10-34 Js ]

For n number of photons,

E=nh𝝂=nhc
𝝺
For 1 mole photons, h = 3.99 x 10-13 KJ sec mol-1
Q1. Calculate the energy of a photon in each case:-

(i) with wavelength = 580 nm (ii) with frequency = 5x1015 Hz

(ii) E =h𝝂
Ans (i) E = h c
𝝺 = 6.626 x 10-34 x 5 x 1015

= 6.626 x 10-34 x 3 x 108 = 3.313 x 10-18 J

580 x 10-9

= 3.42 x 10-19 J
Q2. Calculate energy of 1 mole of photons of radiation whose frequency is 5x1014 Hz.

Ans: E =n h 𝝂
= 6.022 x 1023 x 6.626 x10-34 x 5 x 1014

= 199.508 x 103 J mol-1

= 199.508 KJ mol-1

Q3. A 100 watt bulb emits monochromatic light of wavelength 400 nm. Calculate the number of
photons emitted per second by the bulb.

Ans: 100 watts = 100 J/sec

n = 100 x 400 x 10-9
6.626 x 10-34 x 3 x 108
E=nhc
𝝺
n= 2.012 x 1020
100 = n x 6.626 x 10-34 x 3 x 108
Thus, the number of photons emitted = 2.012 x 1020
400 x 10-9
Q4) Calculate the wavelength of photon in Å having energy of 1 ev.

Ans: 1 ev = 1.6 x 10-19 J

E=hc
𝝺

1.6 x 10-19 = 6.626 x 10-34 x 3 x 108

𝝺

𝝺 = 12.423 x 10-7 m

= 12.423 x 103 Å
 PHOTOELECTRIC EFFECT
The phenomenon of ejection of electrons from the surface of a metal when
light of suitable frequency strikes on it is called photoelectric effect.

The emitted electrons are called photoelectrons.

Few metals like Cs, Rb or K having loosely held electrons, show this effect
when visible light falls on them. Heinrich Hertz
(1857 to 1894)
 PHOTOELECTRIC EFFECT
(i) The electrons are ejected from the metal surface as soon as the beam of light of suitable frequency ( or energy)
strikes the surface. .

(ii) Minimum energy required for electrons to be ejected from a metal surface is termed as WORK FUNCTION (W0)

(iii) For each metal, certain minimum frequency of light is needed to eject the electrons. This is known as Threshold
frequency (𝛎0) and it is different for different metals.

Energy of the incident light E = W0 + KE

● E < W0 or 𝝂 < 𝝂o, NO electrons are ejected
h 𝝂 = h 𝝂0 + KE ● E = W0 or 𝝂 = 𝝂o, electrons get ejected to the
surface but KE = 0 (velocity of photoelectron = 0)
KE = h (𝝂 - 𝝂0)
● E > W0 or 𝝂 > 𝝂o, electrons are ejected with some
Or ½ mv = h (𝝂 - 𝝂0)
2
kinetic energy or speed.
(iv) The kinetic energy (K E) of the ejected electrons is directly proportional to the frequency of the incident
radiation and it is independent of its intensity.

(v) The number of electrons ejected per second from the metal surface depends upon the intensity or
brightness of incident radiation but does not depend upon its frequency
 Energy of Incident radiations = Work function + Kinetic energy of photoelectrons emitted

or, E = Wo + K.E.
or, h𝝂 = h𝝂o + K.E.
or, h𝝂 = h𝝂o + ½ mv2

Q1. The threshold frequency 𝝂o for a metal is 7.0 x 1014 Hz. Calculate the kinetic energy of an electron
emitted when radiation of frequency 1.0 x 1015 Hz hits the metal.
Ans:- KE = h (𝝂 - 𝝂0)

= (6.626 x 10-34) x (1 x 1015 - 7 x 1014)

= (6.626 x 10-34) x 1014 (10 - 7 )

= 1.987 x 10-19 J
Q2) What will be the KE of the electron which is ejected when yellow light of frequency 5.2 x 1014 sec-1 falls on
the surface of a metal having threshold frequency 5 x 1014 sec-1? What is the work function of the metal?

Ans: KE = h (𝝂 - 𝝂0)

= 6.626 x 10-34 x ( 5.2 x 1014 - 5 x 1014 )

= 6.626 x 10-34 x 1014 ( 5.2 - 5)

= 1.325 x 10-20 J

Work function W0 = h𝝂0

= 6.626 x 10-34 x 5 x 1014

= 33.13 x 10-20 J
Q3. When electromagnetic radiation of wavelength 300 nm falls on the surface of sodium, electrons are
emitted with a kinetic energy of 1.68 X 105 J mol-1. What is the minimum energy needed to remove an electron
from sodium? What is the maximum wavelength that will cause a photoelectron to be emitted?

Ans: E = h c = 6.626 x 10-34 x 3 x 108 Minimum energy for 1 electron = 2.31 x 105
𝝺 300 x 10-9 6.022 x 1023
= 6.626 x 10-19 J (for 1 photon)
= 3.84 x 10 -19 J
For 1 mole : E = 6.626 x 10-19 x 6.022 x 1023 𝝺 = hc/E
= 3.99 x 105 J/mole
= 6.626 x 10-34 x 3 x 108
E = W0 + KE
3.84 x 10 -19
W0 = E - KE
= 517 nm
= (3.99 x 105) -( 1.68 X 105 )

= 2.31 x 105 J/mole

Q4) A metal having work function 3.056 x 10-15 J is exposed to radiation of wave length 4000Å. Will a photoelectron
get ejected?

Ans: W0 = 3.056 x 10-15 J

Energy of the incident light E = = h c = 6.626 x 10-34 x 3 x 108

𝝺 4000 x 10-10

= 4.97 x 10-19 J

E < W0

No electrons will be ejected

EMR SPECTRUM is a continuous spectrum eg When we see VIBGYOR (spectrum of white light) ,the Violet colour
merges into another and likewise other color merges into another and there are no boundaries. This is continuous
spectrum.

ATOMIC SPECTRA:
● The spectrum of frequencies of electromagnetic radiation emitted or absorbed during transitions of electrons
between energy levels within an atom.
● Each element has a characteristic spectrum by which it can be recognized.
● Atomic spectra is a discontinuous spectra.
 Atomic spectra are of two types: a) Emission spectra b) Absorption spectra

Emission spectra: Absorption spectrum is the missing

● When an atom is heated or electricity is passed ( in wavelength which corresponds to the radiation
discharge tube), electrons get excited and return to ground absorbed by the matter.
state radiations are given out. ⚫ There are dark spaces in the bright
● The spectrum of radiation (obtained as bright lines) continuous spectrum.
emitted by a substance is called an emission spectrum.
● These are also referred as finger prints of atoms.
● Example: The hydrogen gas ,at low pressure is taken in the
tube and the light emitted by it was examined through a
prism
EMISSION SPECTRA: Courtsey you tube Absorption Spectrum: Courtsey You tube
LINE SPECTRUM OF ATOMS
LINE SPECTRUM OF HYDROGEN
● The hydrogen gas ,at low pressure is taken in the tube and the light emitted by it was examined through
a prism, spectrum was obtained.
● Emission spectrum of hydrogen which consists of several series of lines named after their
discoverers.

Lower Energy Higher Series of lines Region

level (n1) Energy level
(n2)

1 2,3,4,5 ----∞ Lyman UV

2 3,4,5,6 ----∞ Balmer Visible

3 4,5,6,7 ----∞ Paschen IR

4 5,6,7,8 ----∞ Brackett IR

5 6,7,8,9 ----∞ Pfund IR

 REASON FOR APPEARANCE OF LARGE NUMBER OF LINES IN HYDROGEN SPECTRUM
Even though an atom of hydrogen contains only one electron, yet its atomic spectrum consists of large no. of lines.This is
because:
● A sample of Hydrogen gas contains quite a no. of its molecules which splits into its atoms when electric discharge
is passed through it.

● The electrons in different Hydrogen atoms absorb different amounts of energies & are excited to different energy
levels. The electrons in some atoms are excited to energy level ‘L’, while some may get promoted to ‘M’,’N’ & so on.

● Since the lifetime of electrons in these excited states is very small, these return back to ground level in one or
more jumps.

● Each spectral line in the spectrum can be associated to the particular transition in hydrogen atom.

● In case of large number of hydrogen atoms, different possible transitions can be observed and thus leading to large
number of spectral lines.
● The brightness or intensity of spectral lines depends on the number of photons of same wavelength or
frequency absorbed or emitted.
SERIES OF SPECTRAL LINES OF HYDROGEN:

The first five series of lines that correspond to n1= 1,2,3,4 & 5 are called
Lyman,Balmer,Paschen,Brackett & Pfund series respectively.
BALMER FORMULA: for the visible lines of the hydrogen spectrum
ῡ = 1/λ = 109,677( 1 - 1 ) cm-1
22 n2
where n is an integer equal to or greater than 3 (n= 3,4,5……)

RYDBERG FORMULA: for all the series of Hydrogen spectral line. It is also applicable
to hydrogen like ions( one electron species) eg He+, Li2+ etc

ῡ = 1/λ = RHZ2 (1 - 1 ) cm-1

n12 n22
Where, Z = atomic number, n1 = lower energy level & n2 = higher energy level.

R = 109,677cm-1 (or 1.097 x 107 m-1) is called the Rydberg constant

NOTE: Hydrogen atom has the simplest line spectrum of all the elements.However,line spectrum of
each element is unique & has certain regularity.
LIMITING LINE :

The limiting line of any spectral

series in the spectrum is the line
when n2= ∞

This line corresponds to

maximum energy(minimum
wavelength) transition of
electron.
Q1. Calculate the wavenumber and the wavelength for the longest wavelength transition in the
Balmer series of atomic hydrogen.

Ans. ῡ = 1/λ = RH (1 - 1 ) cm-1 λ = 4 x 9_____

n12 n22 5 x 109677

𝝺 = wavelength = 6.56 x 10-5 cm

(longest 𝝺 means frequency and energy is minimum)

So, n1= 2, n2= 3

ῡ= 1/λ = 109677 (1 - 1 ) cm-1

22 32

ῡ = 109677 ( 9-4)
4x9
= 1.523 x 104 cm¹-
Q2. What is the wavelength of light emitted when electron in a hydrogen atom undergoes
transition from an energy level with n=4 to n=2?

Ans. ῡ = 1/λ = 109677(1 - 1 ) cm-1

n12 n22

n1 = 2, n2 = 4

ῡ = 1/λ = 109677(1 - 1 ) cm-1

22 42

1/𝝺 = 109677(3/16)cm-1
𝝺 = 16
3 x109677

𝝺 = 4.86 x 10-5 cm
= 486 nm
Q3.The wavelength of the first line in the Balmer series is 656 nm.Calculate the wavelength
of the second line and the limiting line in Balmer series of Hydrogen.
Ans. ῡ = 1/λ = RH (1 - 1 ) cm-1 OR
n12 n22 For the limiting line: for the FIRST line for Balmer series n1= 2 & n2= 3
n1= 2 & n2= ∞
ῡ = 1/λ1 =RH ( 1 - 1 )
for the second line 1/λ = RH( 1 - 1 )
22 32
n1= 2 for Balmer series & n2= 4 22 (∞)2 or 1/λ1 = 5RH/36

= 109677 x 1 for the second line n1= 2 for Balmer series & n2= 4
ῡ = 1/λ2 =RH ( 1 - 1 )cm-1
22 42 4 ῡ = 1/λ2 =RH ( 1 - 1 )
or 1/λ2 = 3RH/16 λ = 3.64 x 10-5 cm 22 42
or 1/λ2 = 3RH/16

λ2 = 16/3 x 109677 cm λ = 364 nm λ2 = 16 x 5

λ1 3 x 36

λ2 = 4.86 x 10-5 cm λ2 = 16 x 5 x 656 = 486 nm

3 x 36
λ = 486 nm
Q4) Calculate the wavelength and energy of the spectral line in paschen series of Li2+ ion that will
radiate when electron transits from 5th orbit? (At no of Li = 3 and RH = 1.1 X 1O7 m1-

Ans: Paschen Series n1 = 3 E=hc

𝝺
ῡ = 1/λ = RHZ2 (1 - 1 )
n12 n22 = 6.626 x 10-34 x 3 x 108
1.42x 10-7
= 1.1 x 107 x 32 ( 1 - 1) m-1
32 52 = 1.39 x 10-18 J

1/λ = 1.1 x 107 x 9 ( 25-9)

9 x 25
λ = 1.42 x 10-7 m
Q5) What transition in the H- spectrum would have the same wavelength as the Balmer series
transition from the 4th orbit of He+ ?
For H : 1/λ = 109677 x 1 ( 1 - 1)
2

Ans: 1/λ = RHZ2 (1 - 1 ) n12 n22

n12 n22 Given λ(H) = λ(He+)

For He : 1/λ = 109677 x 22 ( 1

+
- 1) 109677 ( 1 - 1) = 109677 ( 1 - 1 )
22 42 n12 n22 1 4

= 109677 ( 4 - 4 ) thus , n1 = 1 and n2 = 2

4 16 OR
= 109677 ( 1 - 1 ) For He+:
1 4 1/λ = R4(3/16) = R ¾
Given λ(H) = λ(He+)

R 3 = R( 1 - 1) Thus n1 = 1 and n2 = 2
4 n12 n22
Q6) What is the maximum number of possible emission lines obtained when excited
electrons of a H-sample in n=6 drops to the ground state?

Ans: Possible spectral lines= (n2-n1)(n2-n1+1)

2

= (6 - 1)( 6 - 1 + 1)
2

= 15
DO IT YOURSELF: in HW copy
Q4. Calculate the frequency and the wavelength of the emitted radiation in nm when an electron in
H-atom jumps from the third orbit to the ground state.(R = 109,677cm-1)
Ans. 103 nm, 2.9 x 1015 Hz

Q5. Calculate the wavelength from the Balmer formula in H-atom when n2= 3.
Ans. 656 nm

Q6. Calculate the wavelength of the spectral line in Lyman series of H-atom corresponding to n2 = 3.
Ans. 102 nm

Q7. What is the number of spectral lines that are possible when electrons in 7th shell in hydrogen
atoms return to the 2nd shell?
Ans. 15
 BOHR’S MODEL OF ATOM:
1) The atom consists of a small, positively charged nucleus in the centre and the
electron revolves around it in a circular path of fixed radius and energy. These
paths are called orbits or stationary states or energy levels.( K,L,M,N)

2) As long as electron remain in the orbit, they neither lose nor gain energy. This
state is termed as Ground state.

3) Only those orbits are permitted in which the angular momentum of electron is
equal or a whole number multiple of h/2𝝅
∴ angular momentum ; mvr = n h/2𝝅
Where n is the number of orbit. ( if n=1 then mvr = h/2𝝅; if n=2 then mvr= 2h/2𝝅)

4) The energy is emitted or absorbed only when the electron jumps from
one energy level to another.
Δ E = E2 -E1

● The higher energy state of electron is called its excited state.

Merits of Bohr’s Atomic model:
1) It could explain the stability of an atom. An electron revolving around the nucleus in an orbit cannot lose
energy. (QUANTISATION of ANGULAR MOMENTUM).

2) It could explain the discontinuous atomic spectrum of Hydrogen atom.

If electron transits between two orbits: Δ E = E2 -E1
➔ h 𝝂1 = E2 - E1 thus, 𝝂1 = (E2 -E1 )/h -------- one spectral line λ1 = hc/(E2 -E1 )
➔ h 𝝂2 = E3 - E2 thus, 𝝂2 = (E3 -E2 )/h --------- another spectral line λ2 = hc/(E3 -E2 )
3) It helped in calculating the energy of the electron in a particular orbit of H atom.
E = - 2𝝅2 m Z2 e4
n2h2
= - 2.18 x 10-18 Z2 J/atom
n2
= - 1312 Z2 KJ/mole = -13.6 eV/atom
n2
n2
4) It could also calculate the radius of each circular orbit. r= 52.9 n2 pm
Z
Significance of negative electronic energy
● When the electron is at infinite distance from the nucleus(n=∞), there is no force
of attraction on the electron by the nucleus. The energy of the electron is thus
taken as zero.

● As the electron moves towards the nucleus, it experiences a force of attraction by

the nucleus due to which some energy is released.

● Since the value of energy at infinity was already zero, now, as it comes closer to
the nucleus, more energy is released and so the energy decreases which is why
the electronic energy is negative.
Energy expression for Hydrogen and Hydrogen like ions:

En = - 2.18 x 10-18 Z2 J/atom where Z is the atomic number

n2

When electron transits between two orbits, energy is absorbed or emitted,𝚫E = E2-E1

𝚫E = 2.18 x 10-18 Z2 ( 1 - 1 )
n12 n22
Q1. How much energy is required to ionise a Hydrogen atom if the electron occupies n=5
orbit?

Ans. 𝚫E = 2.18 x 10-18( 1 - 1 ) J

n2i n22
Ionisation means electron is completely removed: ni = 5, n2 = ∞

𝚫E = 2.18 x 10-18 ( 1 - 1 ) J
52 ∞2

= 8.72 x 10-20 J
Q3. Calculate the energy required to remove an electron completely in Hydrogen from n=2.What
is the longest wavelength of light that can be used to cause this transition?

Ans. n1 = 2, As electron is being removed completely n2 = ∞

𝚫E = 2.18 x 10-18( 1 - 1 ) J = 2.18 x 10-18( ¼) J

n21 n22

= 5.45 x 10-19 J

Now, 𝚫E = hc/λ is the incident energy radiation which will result in this transition.

So, λ = hc/𝚫E = 6.626 x 10-34 x 3 x 108 / 5.45 x 10-19m

λ = 3.65 x 10-7 m
Q4. Calculate the radius of Bohr’s fifth orbit for Hydrogen.

Ans.rn = n2 a0 ; where a0= 52.9pm r= 52.9 n2 pm

Z Z

= 52 x 52.9 x 10-12 m = 1.32 nm

Q5. Calculate the radius of third orbit of He+ ion.

Ans. rn = a0(n2) pm for hydrogen like species

Z

Z= 2 for He+ , n = 3

rn = 32 x 52.9 x 10-12 m
2

= 2.38 x 10-10 m = 2.38 A0

LIMITATIONS OF BOHR’S MODEL
● Inability to explain line spectra of multi electron atoms.

● Inability to explain splitting of lines that took place in the presence of magnetic field (Zeeman effect) and
in the presence of electric field (Stark effect)

●● Inability to explain three dimensional model of atom as this model specified electrons moving along
certain circular paths in one plane.

● Inability to explain 3D shapes of molecules.

● It did not incorporate Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle and the dual nature of electrons.
Q1.What is the difference between ground state & excited state?

Ans. Ground state means the lowest energy state.When the electron absorbs energy and jumps to outer orbit,this state is
called the excited state.

Q2.Which transition between Bohr orbits corresponds to third line in the Balmer series of the hydrogen
spectrum?

Ans. 5th orbit to 2nd orbit

Q3. What are the dimensions of Planck’s constant? What other physical quantity has the same dimensions?

Ans. Dimensions of h = kg m2s-1 = Js

Angular momentum has the same dimensions because mvr = nh/2π
h = mvr2π/n . Now n & 2π are constants and have no units.
Thus h = kg m2 s-1
DEVELOPMENTS LEADING TO QUANTUM MECHANICAL MODEL OF THE ATOM:

In view of the shortcomings of Bohr’s model of the atom, efforts were made to develop
more suitable model.Two important developments which contributed significantly in the
formulation of such a model were:

1. DUAL BEHAVIOUR OF MATTER

2. HEISENBERG’S UNCERTAINTY PRINCIPLE

DUAL BEHAVIOUR OF MATTER : By de Broglie

● Einstein said EMR has dual nature.

● Louis de Broglie,advanced the concept that like photons, all material

particles in motion also possess dual character i.e both particle &
wavelike properties when in motion.

● The wave associated with a material particle is called a matter wave or

de Broglie wave.

● de Broglie calculated the wavelength of matter wave by analogy with

photon as follows:
Energy associated with photon on the basis of its wave character
E = h 𝝂 --------(i)

Energy associated with photon on the basis of its particle nature

E = mc2 -----(ii)

Thus, h𝝂 = mc2

So, hc/λ = mc2 or λ = h/mc

de Broglie pointed out that the above relation is applicable to any matter particle travelling at any
velocity. Thus:

λ = h/mv or λ = h/p ------(iii)

(mv = p or momentum)
Thus , 2 𝝅 r = n h/mv

mvr = n h/ 2𝝅
Significance of de Broglie equation: λ = h/mv or λ = h/p
● Even though de Broglie equation is applicable to all material objects,
but it has significance only in the case of submicroscopic particles.

● The wavelengths associated with ordinary objects are so short

(because of their large masses) that their wave properties cannot be
detected. Thus, de Broglie relationship has no significance in everyday
life macroscopic objects .

● The wavelengths associated with microscopic particles (with very

small mass) can be detected experimentally.
Distinction between Electromagnetic waves and matter waves

Electromagnetic waves Matter waves

These waves have electric and magnetic fields Matter waves have no electric and magnetic fields
associated with them. associated with them.

These waves can easily pass through the vacuum. These waves cannot pass through the vacuum.
Matter waves have velocities less than velocities of light
These waves have fixed velocities ( 3 x 108 m/sec) and travel with different velocities.
These rays are emitted from a source in space. These waves are associated with material particles, they
do not exist without material particles.
Energies of these waves are quantized. Energies of these waves are not quantized.

Wave length 𝝀 = c/𝝂 Wave length 𝝀 = h/mv

𝝀 = h/mc 𝝀 = h/p
Q1. Calculate the wavelength of an electron Q2. If the kinetic energy of an electron is
moving with a velocity of 2.05 x 107m/s. 3 x 10-25 J , what is its wavelength?

Ans.Given, h = 6.626 x 10-34 Js , Ans.

Kinetic energy = ½ mv2 = 3 x 10-25 J
m= 9.1 x 10-31kg, v = 2.05 x 107m/s.
So, v2 = 2 x 3 x 10-25 / 9.1 x 10-31m/s
λ = h/mv
v = 812 m/s
λ = 6.626 x 10-34 /9.1 x 10-31x 2.05 x 107
Now, λ = h/mv
= 3.55 x 10-11 m
λ = 6.626 x 10-34/ 9.1 x 10-31x 812
Thus it shows that the wavelength of an
electron is within measurable limits as its mass is λ = 8.967 x 10-7 m
very small.
Q3. Two particles A & B are in motion. If the wavelength associated with particle A is 5 x 10-8 m,
calculate the wavelength associated with particle B if its momentum is half of A.

Ans. By de Broglie equation, λA = h/pA & λB = h/pB

Therefore, λA/λB = pB/pA

But, pB = ½ pA

Therefore, λA/λB = ½ pA_

pA

λA_ = ½
λB

Or λB = 2 x λA = 2 x 5 x 10-8 m
λB = 10-7 m
Q4.The kinetic energy of a subatomic particle is 5.85 x 10-25 J.Calculate the frequency of
the particle wave.

Ans. K.E = ½ mv2 = 5.85 x 10-25 J

mv2 = 2 x 5.85 x 10-25 J

We know by de Broglie: λ = h/mv
And we also know λ = v/𝝂 where 𝝂 = frequency & v = velocity
So h = v
mv 𝝂
Thus, 𝝂 = mv2/h

= 2 x 5.85 x 10-25 / 6.626 x 10-34 s-1

= 1.7657 x 109 s-1

HEISENBERG’S UNCERTAINTY PRINCIPLE: By a German physicist Werner Heisenberg

It is impossible to determine simultaneously, the exact position

and exact momentum (or velocity) of any microscopic particle
like an electron.

● Consequence of dual behaviour of matter & radiation.

● All moving objects that we see around us, move along definite paths or trajectories
and their position & velocities can be measured accurately at any point of time.

● An accurate measurement of position & velocities simultaneously is not possible for

microscopic particles.
Mathematically,
Δx ✕ Δp ≥ h/4π
where Δx is uncertainty in position & Δp is uncertainty in momentum of the particle.

Or Δx ✕ Δ(m v) ≥ h/4π

Or Δx ✕ Δv ≥ h/4π m

Where Δv is the uncertainty in velocity of the particle & m is the mass of the particle.

● The product of uncertainty in the position and velocity of particle is always constant

● which means that if position is known with high degree of accuracy(Δx is small), then velocity
of the particle will be uncertain ( Δv will be large) and vice versa.
Significance of Heisenberg uncertainty principle:

● If the uncertainty principle is applied to an macroscopic object (eg of mass 1mg),

Δx x ΔV ≥ h/4πm ≅ 6.626 x 10-34Js ≅ 10-28 m2s-1
4 x 3.14 x 10-6 kg
The product of Δx and ΔV is extremely small & insignificant.

● However, for a microscopic particle such as an electron,

Δx x ΔV ≥ h/4πm ≅ 6.626 x 10-34 ≅ 10-4 m2s-1
4 x 3.14 x 9.1 x 10-31
If the uncertainty in position is 10-4 m, uncertainty in velocity will be 1 m/sec.

● It therefore means that the precise statements of position & momentum

of electrons have to be replaced by the statements of probability, that
the electron has at a given position & momentum.

This led to the development of the Quantum mechanical model of atom.

Q1. The diameter of the atomic nucleus is of the order of 10-15m. Justify using
Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle that electrons cannot exist in the nucleus.

Ans. If the electron were to exist within the atomic nucleus, the maximum uncertainty in its position
would have been 10-15m.The minimum uncertainty in its velocity can thus be calculated as

Δx x ΔV ≥ h/4πm

= 6.626 x 10-34 ________ Js

4 x 3.14 x 9.1 x 10-31 kg

Or ΔV = 6.626 x 10-34 ____________

4 x 3.14 x 9.1 x 10-31x 10-15

= 5.7 x 1010m/s
This is a very high value greater than the velocity of light & so it is not possible for the electron
to exist in the nucleus.
Q2.Calculate the uncertainty in the velocity of a wagon of mass 3000 kg whose
position is known to an accuracy of ± 10 pm

Ans.
m = 3000kg, Δx = 10pm = 10-11 m

By uncertainty principle, Δx x ΔV ≥ h/4πm

ΔV ≥ h/4 πm Δx

= 6.626 x 10-34/ 4 x 3.14 x 3000 x 10-11 m/s

= 1.76 x 10-27 m/s

 Q3. A proton is accelerated to 1/10th of the velocity of light. If its velocity can be
measured with a precision of ± 0.5% , what must be its uncertainty in position?(mass of
proton = 1.67 x 10-27 kg)
Ans. Velocity of light = 3 x 108 m/s Applying Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle,

Velocity of the proton = 3 x 108 m/s x 1/10 Δx x ΔV ≥ h/4πm

= 3 x 107 m/s We get Δx = 6.626 x 10-34 ___________________

4 x 3.14 x 1.67 x 10-27 x 1.5 x 105
Uncertainty in velocity = ΔV
= 2.11 x 10-13 m
= 3 x 107m/s x 0.5/100

= 1.5 x 105 m/s

DO IT YOURSELF in HW copy
Q1.Calculate the de Broglie wavelength of an electron whose velocity in the electron microscope is
1.6 x 106 m/s.
Ans. 455pm

Q2. An electron has a speed of 500 m/s with an uncertainty of 0.02%. What is the uncertainty in
locating its position?
Ans. 0.1 m/s

Q3. Similar to electron diffraction, neutron diffraction microscope is also used for determination of
structure of molecules. It the wavelength here is 800 pm, what is the velocity associated?
Ans.4.9 x 102 m/s
Q4.A tennis ball of mass 0.06kg is moving with a speed of 62m/s. Calculate the wavelength
associated with this moving tennis ball. Will this movement exhibit wave character?
Ans. 1.8 x 10-34 m

Q5.What is the minimum uncertainty in the position of a bullet of mass 5g that is known to have
speed somewhere between 550,00000 & 550,00001 m/s?
Ans. 1.05 x 10-32 m

Q6. If the velocity of electron in Bohr’s first orbit is 2.19 x 106 m/s, Calculate the de Broglie
wavelength associated with it.
Ans. 332pm

Q7. What will be the wavelength of oxygen molecule in pm moving with a velocity of 660 m/s?
Ans. 18.8pm
QUICK RECAP
1. The series of lines present in the visible region of the hydrogen spectrum is
a) Lyman b) Balmer c) Paschen d) Brackett

2. For which of the following species, Bohr’s theory is not applicable?

a) Be3+ b) Li2+ c) He2+ d) H

3.Which of the following transitions will have minimum wavelength?

a) n4➝n1 b) n2➝n1 c) n4➝n2 d) n3➝n1

4. Planck’s constant has the units of

a) Work b) energy c) Angular momentum d) linear momentum

5. According to Bohr’s theory, the angular momentum of an electron in 5th orbit is

a) 10h/π b) 2.5h/π c) 25h/π d) 1.0h/π
6. When the electron of a hydrogen atom jumps from n=4 to n=1 state, the no. of spectral lines
emitted is
a) 15 b) 9 c) 6 d) 3

7. Which of the following has the largest de Broglie wavelength,provided all have equal velocity?
a) CO2 molecule b)electron c) NH3 molecule d) proton

8. The line spectrum of He+ will resemble that of

a) H atom b) Li+ c) He atom d) Li atom

9.The de Broglie wavelength of a ball of mass 10g moving with a velocity of 10m/s
a) 6.626 x 10-33m b) 6.626 x 10-29m c) 6.626 x 10-31m d) 6.626 x 10-36m

10. The uncertainty involved in velocity of an electron within a distance of 0.1Å

a) 5.79 x 108m/s b) 5.79 x 105m/s c) 5.79 x 106m/s d) 5.79 x 107 m/s
QUICK RECAP (ANSWERS)
1. The series of lines present in the visible region of the hydrogen spectrum is
a) Lyman b) Balmer c) Paschen d) Brackett

2. For which of the following species, Bohr’s theory is not applicable?

a) Be3+ b) Li2+ c) He2+ d) H

3.Which of the following transitions will have minimum wavelength?

a) n4➝n1 b) n2➝n1 c) n4➝n2 d) n3➝n1

4. Planck’s constant has the units of

a) Work b) energy c) Angular momentum d) linear momentum

5. According to Bohr’s theory, the angular momentum of an electron in 5th orbit is

a) 10h/π b) 2.5h/π c) 25h/π d) 1.0h/π
6. When the electron of a hydrogen atom jumps from n=4 to n=1 state, the no. of spectral lines
emitted is
a) 15 b) 9 c) 6 d) 3

7. Which of the following has the largest de Broglie wavelength,provided all have equal velocity?
a) CO2 molecule b) electron c) NH3 molecule d) proton

8. The line spectrum of He+ will resemble that of

a) H atom b) Li+ c) He atom d) Li atom

9.The de Broglie wavelength of a ball of mass 10g moving with a velocity of 10m/s
a) 6.626 x 10-33m b) 6.626 x 10-29m c) 6.626 x 10-31m d) 6.626 x 10-36m

10. The uncertainty involved in velocity of an electron within a distance of 0.1Å

a) 5.79 x 108m/s b) 5.79 x 105m/s c) 5.79 x 106m/s d) 5.79 x 107 m/s