Explain why excited atoms only emit certain frequencies of radiation after an electron collides with the atom

  1. Radiation is emitted via photons2) Photon energy is governed by the equation E = hc/wavelength, where h = the Planck constant and c = the speed of light. Both h and c are constants3) Electrons have discrete energy levels, so the change in energy of the atom is also discrete4) As photon energy is inversely proportional to the wavelength and the photon energy is discrete, the wavelength and frequency of the emitted photons must also be discrete.
Answered by Michael H. Physics tutor

4692 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is EMF? How do we test for it?


Outline the principal features of a geostationary orbit and use them to explain one use of satellites in this type of orbit.


The braking distance of a road train travelling at 15m/s is 70m. Assuming that the same braking force is applied at all speeds, show that the braking distance of a road train when travelling at 25m/s is about 190m.


A stationary particle explodes into 3: A (to the left), B and C (both to the right). B has mass m and speed 3v. C has mass 2m and speed v. A has speed 2v. What is the mass of A in terms of m?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences