The energy of the electromagnetic spectrum moves through space as waves that have
three associated variables—frequency, wavelength, and amplitude. The frequency, n,is the
number of waves that pass a point per second. Wavelength,l, is the distance between two
identical points on a wave. Amplitudeis the height of the wave and is related to the inten-
sity (or brightness, for visible light) of the wave. Figure 10.2 shows the wavelength and
amplitude of a wave.
The energy associated with a certain frequency of light is related by the equation:
E=hnwhere his Planck’s constant =6.63 × 10 −^34 Js
In developing the quantum mechanical model of the atom, it was found that the
electrons can have only certain distinct quantities of energy associated with them, and that
in order for the atom to change its energy it has to absorb or emit a certain amount of energy.
The energy that is emitted or absorbed is really the difference in the two energy states and
can be calculated by:
ΔE=hn
All electromagnetic radiation travels at about the same speed in a vacuum, 3.0 × 108 m/s.
This constant is called the speed of light (c). The product of the frequency and the wave-
length is the speed of light:
c=nl
Let’s apply some of the relationships. What wavelength of radiation has photons of
energy 7.83 × 10 −^19 J?
138 STEP 4. Review the Knowledge You Need to Score High
Gamma
ray
Ultra-
X-ray violet Infrared Microwave Radio frequency
Visible
Wavelength (m)
Frequency (1/s)
1020
10 −^1110 −^910 −^710 −^510 −^310 −^1101103
1018 1016 1014 1012 1010 108 106 104
Figure 10.1 The electromagnetic spectrum.
Wavelengthl Amplitude
Figure 10.2 Wavelength and amplitude of a wave.