Structure of Atom - Complete JEE-Level Notes
1. Quantum Mechanical Model and Quantum Numbers
• Developed by Schrodinger using wave equations.
• Provides a probability map of where an electron is likely to be found (orbital).
Born’s Interpretation:
• The square of the wave function (ψ²) gives the probability density of finding an electron.
Radial Probability and Wave Functions (Hydrogen-like atoms):
• Radial distribution function: Probability of finding electron at a distance r.
• Number of radial nodes = n − l − 1;
• Number of angular nodes = l; Total nodes = n − 1
Quantum Numbers:
a. Principal Quantum Number (n): Shell level; n = 1, 2, 3...
b. Azimuthal Quantum Number (l): Subshell; l = 0 to (n−1)
s (0), p (1), d (2), f (3)...
c. Magnetic Quantum Number (m): Orientation; m = −l to +l
d. Spin Quantum Number (s): +1/2 or −1/2
Rules for Electron Filling:
Aufbau Principle: Electrons occupy lowest energy orbitals first.
(n + l) Rule: Lower (n + l) → lower energy. If same, then lower n → lower energy.
Pauli Exclusion Principle: No two electrons in an atom can have all four quantum numbers
the same.
Hund’s Rule: Electrons occupy orbitals singly with parallel spins before pairing.
Electronic Configuration Examples:
• Oxygen (Z = 8): 1s² 2s² 2p⁴
• Fe (Z = 26): [Ar] 3d⁶ 4s²
Extra Stability of Half and Fully Filled Orbitals:
• Due to symmetrical distribution and exchange energy.
• Cr (Z = 24): [Ar] 3d⁵ 4s¹ instead of 3d⁴ 4s²
• Cu (Z = 29): [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s¹ instead of 3d⁹ 4s²
2. Discovery of Subatomic Particles
Cathode Rays: Discovered by J.J. Thomson; negatively charged, e/m = 1.758 × 10¹¹ C/kg
Anode Rays: Discovered by Goldstein; positively charged particles.
Electron: Charge = -1.602 × 10⁻¹⁹ C, Mass = 9.109 × 10⁻³¹ kg
Proton: Discovered by Goldstein, Mass ≈ 1836 × electron mass
Neutron: Discovered by James Chadwick; neutral charge.
3. Thomson’s Model: Atom as positive sphere with embedded electrons (failed to explain
scattering).
4. Rutherford’s Model: Gold foil experiment → nucleus is small, dense, positively charged.
Limitations: Failed to explain electron stability & spectra.
5. Atomic Number (Z) and Mass Number (A):
Z = no. of protons; A = protons + neutrons
6. Electromagnetic Radiation:
c = λν; c = speed of light (3 × 10⁸ m/s), λ = wavelength, ν = frequency
7. Blackbody Radiation: Classical theory fails; Planck’s quantum theory explains it.
E = hν (h = 6.626 × 10⁻³⁴ Js)
8. Photoelectric Effect: E = hν = φ + KE;
Terms: Threshold frequency (ν₀), Stopping potential, Saturation current
9. Bohr’s Model:
• mvr = nh/2π; rₙ = n²a₀; Eₙ = -13.6Z²/n² eV
• Energy emission: ΔE = hν
10. Hydrogen Spectrum:
ν̅ = RZ²(1/n₁² − 1/n₂²); R = 1.097 × 10⁷ m⁻¹
Series: Lyman (UV), Balmer (Visible), Paschen, Brackett, Pfund (IR)
11. de Broglie Hypothesis: λ = h/mv (Wave nature of particles)
Davisson & Germer Experiment confirmed wave nature of electrons.