CHEM.6.C

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The student is expected to investigate the mathematical relationship between energy, frequency, and wavelength of light using the electromagnetic spectrum and relate it to the quantization of energy in the emission spectrum;
1666 TEKS header image

Knowledge and Skills Statement

Science concepts. The student understands the development of atomic theory and applies it to real-world phenomena.

The further explanation is designed to be a resource for educators that helps them better understand the topic their students are learning. Further explanations may be written at a more complex level than would be expected for students at the grade level.

The specific equation students should be able to manipulate is Einstein’s equation for the energy of a photon:
 

Energy equals Planck’s constant multiplied by the frequency.
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where—
•    E is energy (in joules)
•    h is the Planck constant = 6.63 x 10-34 Joule-seconds (Js)
•    ƒ is frequency (in hertz)

Substituting for the frequency, you get:
 

Energy equals open parenthesis Planck’s constant multiplied by the speed of light close parenthesis divided by the wavelength.
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where—
•    E is photon energy
•    λ (lambda) is the photon's wavelength
•    c is the speed of light in a vacuum = 3 x 108 meters per second (m/s)
•    h is the Planck constant = 6.63 x 10-34 Joule-seconds (Js)

Glossary terms and definitions are consistent across kindergarten through high school in the TEKS Guide. The definitions are intended to give educators a common understanding of the terms regardless of what grade level they teach. Glossary definitions are not intended for use with students.

a theory of the nature of matter: all material substances are composed of minute particles or atoms of a comparatively small number of kinds and all the atoms of the same kind are uniform in size, weight, and other properties

the entire range of wavelengths or frequencies of electromagnetic radiation extending from the shortest wavelength and highest frequency (gamma rays) to the longest wavelength and lowest frequency (radio waves) and including visible light

the range of wavelengths emitted by an atom or compound stimulated by heat, light, or electric current; unique to each element

detectable events that are observed through the senses or technology; can be explained through scientific laws, ideas, principles, and theories

Research

Tchang-Brillet, W.-Ü Lydia, Ali Meftah, Djamel Deghiche, Jean-François Wyart, Christian Balança, Norbert Champion
and Christophe Blaess. "Laboratory Studies of Vacuum Ultra-Violet (VUV) Emission Spectra of Heavy Element Ions." International Astronomical Union.Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union 15, no. S357  (2019): 84-88. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1743921320000307

Summary:  Reliable spectroscopic data are needed for interpretation and modeling of observed astrophysical plasmas. For heavy element ions, which have complex spectra, experimental data are rather incomplete. We are carrying out laboratory studies of high-resolution VUV emission spectra of moderately charged ions of transition metals and rare earth elements. Examples of studies are described.

Research

Hassebi, Khalil, Karine Le Guen, Nicolas Rividi, Anne Verlaguet, and Philippe Jonnard. "Calculation of Emission Spectra of Lithium Compounds." X-Ray Spectrometry 52, no.6 (2023):330-335. https://doi.org/10.1002/xrs.3329

Summary:  We studied the electronic structure of lithium metal, lithium fluoride, and spodumene using density functional theory. We performed calculations of the total, local, and partial density of states and x‐ray emission spectra. We observed changes in the Li K spectra shape and energy position due to the chemical structure and composition modification. We also outline possible interferences between emission bands.