Atomic physics is the branch of physics that studies atoms as isolated systems of electrons bound to a nucleus, examining their structure, energy levels and the way they absorb and emit light. The field was transformed in the early twentieth century by Niels Bohr's 1913 quantum model of the hydrogen atom, which explained the discrete spectral lines observed in atomic emission, and by the fuller quantum mechanical treatment developed over the following decades that replaced Bohr's model with a probabilistic description of electron behavior. Atomic physics underlies technologies including the laser, atomic clocks and spectroscopic techniques used to identify chemical elements from their characteristic light.
Facts
Central QuestionHow electrons are arranged around the atomic nucleus and by what processes those arrangements change. 1 ScopeAtomic physics studies atoms as an isolated system of electrons and a nucleus, focusing on atomic structure and how the arrangement of electrons around the nucleus changes. 1 SignificanceAtomic physics research is often considered in the wider context of atomic, molecular and optical physics, since strict delineation between neighboring fields can be highly contrived. 1 Connections
Founded By
Source Niels Bohr (Wikipedia)
Has Theory
Source Bohr Model (Wikipedia)
Sources
1. Wikipedia: Atomic physics
WikipediaLead section, definition sentence
Atomic physics is the field of physics that studies atoms as an isolated system of electrons and an atomic nucleus.
Lead section, scope sentence
It is primarily concerned with the way in which electrons are arranged around the nucleus and
the processes by which these arrangements change.
Lead section, closing sentence
As with many scientific fields, strict delineation can be highly contrived and atomic physics is often considered in the wider context of atomic, molecular, and optical physics.
View the Source Niels Bohr (Wikipedia)
WikipediaFounded By: Niels Bohr, Lead sectionQuote, Founded By: Niels Bohr, Lead section
He developed the Bohr model of the atom, in which he proposed that energy levels of electrons are discrete and that the electrons revolve in stable orbits around the atomic nucleus but can jump from one energy level (or orbit) to another.
Bohr Model (Wikipedia)
WikipediaHas Theory: Bohr Model, Introductory sectionQuote, Has Theory: Bohr Model, Introductory section
In atomic physics, the Bohr model or Rutherford-Bohr model is an obsolete model of the atom that incorporated some early quantum concepts.
Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.