Quantization of Energy in Molecules

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

What is the result of a change in the state of a molecule in terms of its energy levels?

A change in the state of a molecule may result in a change in rotational energy.

How are the energy states of a molecule described?

The energy states of a molecule are described by indicating the state of its electronic cloud, vibrational motion, and rotational motion.

What is the relationship between the differences in energy levels in a molecule?

The differences between the rotational levels are smaller than those between the vibrational levels, and the differences between the vibrational levels are smaller than those between the electronic levels.

What is the term for the continuous flow of electrons emitted from a metal surface?

Thermionic emission. Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum energy required for an electron to escape from a metal surface?

The minimum energy required is at least the work function. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the energy levels in a molecule being discrete?

The energy levels in a molecule are quantized, meaning they can only assume specific discrete values. Signup and view all the answers

How do the energy levels of single atoms change when they are brought together to form a solid?

The energy levels break up to form energy bands. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference in the behavior of energy levels between a good conductor and a semiconductor when they are purified?

The conductivity of a good conductor increases with purification, while that of a semiconductor generally decreases with purification. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when electrons jump from one allowed band to another in a solid?

Electrons can jump from one allowed band to other allowed bands, but no electron can exist in the forbidden bands. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the energy difference between electronic states when two nuclei are brought closer together?

The energy difference increases as the nuclei get closer to each other. Signup and view all the answers

Why do inner electrons not interact with each other in a solid?

Inner electrons are too closely associated with their nuclei, and therefore do not interact with each other. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the valence band in a solid?

The valence band contains energy levels of the same energy as the valence electrons, which are attached to individual atoms and are not free to move about. Signup and view all the answers

How many quantum states are there in the 1s group for a 6-atom system, and why do they appear as only six?

There are 12 quantum states, but they appear as only six because the pairs of wave functions differ only in spin and make a very small energy difference. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the possible 1s and 2s wave functions in a solid?

Energy bands. Signup and view all the answers

How many electrons can occupy the same state in an N atomic solid?

Two electrons of opposite spin can occupy the same state in an N atomic solid. Signup and view all the answers

Why do the energy levels of individual atoms break up to form energy bands when they are brought together to form a solid?

Because the nuclei of the atoms interact with each other, creating a system with different energy levels. Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the interaction of valence electrons of adjacent atoms in a solid?

New energy levels are established, which are discrete but only infinitesimally different. Signup and view all the answers

What is the total number of electrons that a solid can accommodate?

A solid can accommodate 2N electrons, where N is the number of atoms in the solid. Signup and view all the answers

Change in molecular state

Results in a change in rotational energy.

Energy states description

Described by the electronic cloud, vibrational, and rotational motion.

Differences in energy levels

Rotational level differences are smallest, vibrational are intermediate, and electronic levels are largest.