Chapter No.

20(Atomic Spectrum)
Q1: Bohr’s atomic model is based upon many postulates. Do any of it opposes the law of classical physics?
Ans: Yes, first and 2nd postulate contradicts the law of classical theory.
An electron revolving round the nucleus in circular orbits without radiating.
According to classical physics, the electrons radiate energy continuously while revolving round the
nucleus.
He said that atoms, hydrogen like atoms, existed in stationary states in which the angular momentum was
quantized in integer units of ℏ.
This assumption totally and directly contradicts classical physics. Bohr was concerned with the
classical instability of the hydrogen atom
Q2: What is line spectrum? Explain how a line spectrum is used in the detection of elements?
Ans: Such a spectrum which consists of sharp lines distinctly separated by some dark bands due to the
transitions of the electrons in isolated atoms is called line spectrum.
Each element emits a line spectrum consisting of a definite set of wavelengths.
E.g. Na has two yellow lines that don’t resemble with any other element
On the basis of wavelengths, any element can be detected.
Q3: Can an electron in ground state absorb a photon of energy 13.6 eV and greater than 13.6 eV?
Ans: Yes, electron of H-atom can absorb energy of 13.6 eV and greater than 13.6 eV.
13.6 eV is the ionization energy of the electron for the H-atom in the ground state. Therefore, min. E
required to eliminate electron is 13.6 eV
Energy greater than 13.6 eV is absorbed by the electron will be used as K.E.
Q4: How spectrum of H-atom contains so many lines while it has only one electron?
Ans: H-atom has only one electron that mainly remains at its ground state. But it can be excited to a no. of
excited states. The de-excitation of the electron from the excited states emits radiation which emits as a
line in the spectrum.
Electron usually don’t de-excite directly to ground but it de-excites through a no. of energy states.
At each level, energy emitted as particular wavelength so during de-excitation, a no. of wavelengths
are observed.
e.g let we have an electron in 4th energy state then on de-excitation
n4  n3 1st line
n3  n2 2nd line
n2 n1 3rd line.
As a result, so many lines can be observed as the excitation level increases.
Q5: Is energy is conserved when an atom emits a photon?
Ans: Yes, energy is conserved when an atom emits a photon.
Energy emitted during de-excitation,
e.g E = hf = E2 – E1
But during excitation, same energy is absorbed. So, law of conservation of energy is obeyed.
Q6: Explain why a glowing gas gives only certain wavelength and absorbs the same wavelength and is
transparent for other wavelengths?
Ans: Every element can absorb the certain wavelength and emits the same wavelength which corresponds to
the energy difference between different excitation levels.
Hence, each element can emit only the wavelength present in the emission spectrum. Similarly, it can
absorb only a particular wavelength present in the absorption spectrum.
It does not absorb other wavelengths. So it is transparent for other wavelengths.
Q7: What do you mean when you say the atom is excited?
Ans: An atom is excited when the electrons in it are not in their ground state but any of
their higher energy states as shown in fig.
Q8: Can X-rays be reflected, refracted and polarized just like other waves? Explain?
Ans: Yes, X-rays can be reflected, refracted and polarized like other waves.
X-rays are E.M. waves just like other waves. They can undergo all phenomenon.
However, being very high energy E.M. waves the conclusions for these phenomenon is
different to that of ordinary light.
X-rays undergo diffraction through crystals.
Q9: What are the advantages of laser over the ordinary light?
Ans: LASER stands for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation, It has
Following advantages,
o It is monochromatic.
o It is coherent beam of light.
o It is unidirectional.
o It is intense.
o It can be sharply focused.
o Its intensity remains constt. Even at a higher at a large distant.
o It does not undergo scattering.

Q10: Explain why laser action could not occur without population inversion between atomic levels?
Ans: LASER action cannot be produced without population inversion.
LASER action is based on de-excitation of electrons due to incident stimulating photon. It can only occur
when greater no. of electrons are present in the excited level i.e. population inversion. Hence population
inversion is necessary for LASER action. Otherwise spontaneous emission will occur that cannot produce
laser
Composed by: Hafiz M. Zahid Farooq
Lecturer in Physics
Divisional Public School and College,
Sahiwal.
03216905664