AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based Flashcards: Emission and Absorption Spectra
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 10 cards to help you master important concepts.
What is the relationship between an atomic energy state transition and the wavelength of the associated photon?
A transition between two specific energy states corresponds to a photon of a single, unique wavelength, because the energy difference dictates a single frequency.
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What is the relationship between an atomic energy state transition and the wavelength of the associated photon?
A transition between two specific energy states corresponds to a photon of a single, unique wavelength, because the energy difference dictates a single frequency.
How is an atom modeled when discussing energy transfer with photons?
When discussing the emission or absorption of photons, an atom is modeled as a system consisting of a nucleus and an electron.
What is an atomic energy state transition?
A transition between two energy states of an atom corresponds to the absorption or emission of a photon with a single, specific frequency and wavelength.
Define photon emission in the context of atomic energy states.
Photon emission is the process where an electron in an atom moves to a lower energy state, releasing the exact energy difference as a photon of a single frequency.
Why does the emission spectrum of an element consist of discrete lines of specific colors (wavelengths)?
Because electron transitions only occur between specific energy states, the emitted photons have single frequencies and wavelengths corresponding to these exact energy differences.
If a photon with an energy of 5.2 eV strikes an atom, but the atom's available energy transitions are 4.5 eV and 6.0 eV, what will happen?
The photon will not be absorbed because its energy does not correspond to any allowed energy difference between the atom's energy states.
An atom emits a photon. What can be inferred about the energy of the atom's electron and the properties of the photon?
The atom's electron transitioned to a lower energy state, and the emitted photon has a single frequency and wavelength corresponding to that energy difference.
Define photon absorption in the context of atomic energy states.
Photon absorption is the process where an atom gains energy from a photon, causing an electron to move to a higher energy state, provided the photon's energy matches the state difference.
How does energy transfer occur between an atom and a photon?
Energy transfer occurs when a photon is either absorbed or emitted by an atom, which is modeled as a system of a nucleus and an electron.
What is the fundamental condition for an atom to absorb or emit a photon?
An atom can only absorb or emit energy if the photon's energy exactly corresponds to the energy difference between two of its atomic energy states.