ATOMIC PHYSICS

HERIANNE B. FRANCISCO

BSED SCIENCE 3A
 INTRODUCTION TO ATOMIC PHYSICS

WHAT IS ATOMIC PHYSICS?

• Atomic physics is a branch of physics that focuses on studying the

behavior and properties of atoms, which are the fundamental building
blocks of matter. It explores the structure of atoms, their interactions
with electromagnetic radiation, and the principles that govern their
behavior.
• Atomic physics, the scientific study of the structure of the atom, its
energy states, and its interactions with other particles and with electric
and magnetic fields.
 Atomic energy is the source of power for both nuclear reactors and
nuclear weapons. This energy comes from the splitting (fission) or joining
(fusion) of atoms . To understand the source of this energy, one must first
understand the atom.
An atom is the smallest particle of an element that has the properties
characterizing that element. An atom is a complex arrangement of
negatively charged electrons arranged in defined shells about a
positively charged nucleus. This nucleus contains most of the atom’s
mass and is composed of protons and neutrons (except for common
hydrogen which has only one proton). All atoms are roughly the same
size. A convenient unit of length for measuring atomic sizes is the
angstrom (Å), which is defined as 1 × 10-10 meters. The diameter of
an atom is approximately 2-3 Å.
DISCOVERY OF ATOM
• In 1897, J. J. Thomson discovered the existence of the electron, marking the
beginning of modern atomic physics. The negatively charged electrons follow a
random pattern within defined energy shells around the nucleus. Most
properties of atoms are based on the number and arrangement of their electrons.
The mass of an electron is 9.1 × 10-31 kilograms.
• One of the two types of particles found in the nucleus is the proton. The
existence of a positively charged particle, a proton, in the nucleus was proved
by Sir Ernest Rutherford in 1919. The proton’s charge is equal but opposite to
the negative charge of the electron. The number of protons in the nucleus of an
atom determines what kind of chemical element it is. A proton has a mass of
1.67 × 10-27 kilograms.
• The neutron is the other type of particle found in the nucleus. It
was discovered by a British physicist, Sir James Chadwick. The
neutron carries no electrical charge and has the same mass as the
proton. With a lack of electrical charge, the neutron is not repelled
by the cloud of electrons or by the nucleus, making it a useful tool
for probing the structure of the atom.
FOUNDATION OF ATOMIC PHYSICS

• The foundation of atomic physics lies in the early 20 th-

century discoveries of physicists such as Max Planck,
Albert Einstein, Niels Bohr, and others. These scientists
made significant contributions to our understanding of
atomic structure and the quantum nature of atoms.
KEY CONCEPTS ABOUT ATOMIC PHYSICS

• One of the key concepts in atomic physics is the Bohr model of the
atom, proposed by Niels Bohr in 1913. According to this model,
electrons orbit the nucleus in discrete energy levels or shells.
Electrons can absorb or emit energy in discrete packets called
quanta, corresponding to the difference in energy between the
energy levels. This concept formed the basis for understanding the
behavior of atoms and the interaction of atoms with electromagnetic
radiation.
 Atomic physics also encompasses the study of atomic spectra,
which refers to the unique set of frequencies or wavelengths of light
emitted or absorbed by atoms. Spectroscopy, a powerful tool in atomic
physics, allows scientists to analyze the spectral lines and infer the
atomic structure and properties. Furthermore, atomic physics explores
phenomena such as atomic collisions, ionization processes, and the
behavior of atoms in external electric and magnetic fields. It also
investigates the behavior of atoms at extremely low temperatures,
leading to the development of fields like quantum optics and Bose-
Einstein condensates.
APPLICATION OF ATOMIC PHYSICS

• In recent years, atomic physics has been at the forefront of

technological advancements. For example, atomic clocks, which rely
on the precise oscillations of atoms, have become crucial for precise
timekeeping and navigation systems.
• Atomic physics has also contributed to the development of
technologies like atomic force microscopy and quantum computing,
which rely on manipulating and controlling individual atoms.
• Atomic physics plays a vital role in other scientific disciplines,
including chemistry, astrophysics, and materials science.
Understanding atomic interactions and properties is crucial for
explaining chemical reactions, the behavior of matter under
extreme conditions, and the composition of celestial objects.
• Atomic physic has applications in the study of condensed matter,
gases, chemical-reaction mechanisms, atmospheric science, lasers,
nuclear physics, and the arrangements of elements in thee periodic
table.
 SUMMARY

In summary, atomic physics is a fascinating field that

investigates the behavior and properties of atoms. Its discoveries
and applications have revolutionized our understanding of matter
and have contributed to significant technological advancements.
Continued research in atomic physics promises to uncover even
more insights into the fundamental nature of the universe.