6.2.6 EM Waves & Atoms

• What is the main topic covered in Year 11 GCSE Physics 6.2.6?

  Electromagnetic Waves and Atoms
• What do electromagnetic (EM) waves interact with in the context of atomic structure?

  Atoms and matter
• What are the components of atomic structure?

  • Nucleus (protons and neutrons)
  • Electrons orbiting in discrete energy levels or shells
• What happens when atoms absorb EM radiation?

  Electrons can jump to a higher energy level (excited state)
• What occurs when electrons return to their original energy level?

  They emit EM radiation, often as visible light
• What is an absorption spectrum?

  • Dark lines appear in the spectrum when white light passes through a gas
  • Electrons absorb specific wavelengths to jump to higher energy levels
• What is an emission spectrum?

  • Bright lines or bands of color appear at specific wavelengths
  • Atoms emit light when returning to their ground state
  • Each element has a unique emission spectrum
• What is the photoelectric effect?

  Light of a certain frequency can eject electrons from a metal surface
• What do high-energy EM waves like X-rays and gamma rays do to atoms?

  They can ionize atoms by knocking out electrons
• What is spectroscopy?


  • The study of how EM waves interact with matter
  • Produces absorption and emission spectra
  • Key tool in chemistry and astronomy
• What are some applications of spectroscopy?

  • Identifying elements in stars
  • Analyzing chemical compositions
  • Various scientific research fields
• What is a photon?


  A quantum of electromagnetic radiation that carries energy
• What are energy levels in an atom?

  Specific regions where electrons orbit the nucleus
• How is the energy of photons related to wavelength and frequency?

  Energy is given by \( E = hf \)
• What is Planck's constant?

  Approximately \( 6.626 \times 10^{-34} \) Js
• What is the speed of light equation?


  Given by \( c = \lambda f \)
• What is the speed of light?

  Approximately \( 3 \times 10^8 \) m/s
• What are some exam preparation strategies for understanding EM waves and atomic interactions?

  • Work on past exam questions and practice papers
  • Understand how EM waves interact with matter on an atomic level
  • Familiarize with absorption and emission spectra
• Why is it important to understand how EM waves interact with atoms?

  • Explains various physical phenomena
  • Underpins many technologies
  • Connects fundamental atomic processes to electromagnetic radiation