[CHAPTER 20] ATOMIC SPECTRA 305 ATOMIC SPECTRA

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the end of this chapter the students will be able to:
Know experimental facts of hydrogen spectrum.
Describe Bohr’s postulates of hydrogen atom.
Explain hydrogen atom in terms of energy levels.
Describe de-Brogle’s interpretation of Bohr’s orbits.
Understand excitation and ionization potentials.
Describe uncertainty regarding position of electron in the atom.
Understand the production, properties and uses of X-rays.
Describe the terms spontaneous emission, stimulated emission, metastable states and
population inversion.
Understand laser principle.
Describe the He-Ne gas laser.
Describe the application of laster including holography.

Q.1 Define spectroscopy.

SPECTROSCOPY
The branch of physics which deals with the investigation of wavelengths and intensities of
electromagnetic radiations emitted or absorbed by atoms. There are three types
(i) Continuous spectra
(ii) Band spectra
(iii) Line spectra or discrete spectra
[CHAPTER 20] ATOMIC SPECTRA 306

(i) Continuous Spectra (ii) Band Spectra

The electromagnetic radiation emitted by the black body The molecular spectra are the example of band spectra.
is an example of continuous spectra.
(iii) Line Spectra ATOMIC SPECTRUM / SPECTRA
The atomic spectra are the example of line spectra. Different types of spectra (i) Continuous spectrum (ii) Link

Q.2 What is atomic spectrum / spectra? spectrum

(iii) Band spectrum

When an atomic gas or vapour at much less than atmospheric pressure is suitably excited, usually by
passing an electric current through it, the emitted radiation has a spectrum, which contains certain
specific wavelengths only. An idealized arrangement for observing such atomic spectra is shown in
figure. Actual spectrometer uses diffraction grating for better results. The impression on the screen is in
the form of lines if the slit in front of the source S is narrow rectangle. It is for this reason that the
spectrum is referred to as line spectrum. The fact that the spectrum of any element contains wavelengths
elements.
that exhibit definite regularities was utilized in the second half of the 19th century in identifying different

Slits

Hydrogen Blue
discharge source violet
Red
Blue green 410 nm
434 nm
486 nm
nm
These regularities were classified into certain groups called the
6
65
spectral series. The first such series was identified by J.J Balmer in
1885 in the spectrum of hydrogen. This series, called the Balmer series,
is shown in figure, and is in the visible region of the electromagnetic

−
spectrum.
The results obtained by Balmer were expressed in 1896
by J.R Rydberg in the following mathematical form 1 2 …… (i)
22 n
1 H ⎛
1
λ = R ⎝⎜ ⎠⎟ ⎞

Red Blue
GreenBlueViolet
UV

−
where RH is the Rydberg’s constant. Its value is 1.0974 × 107 m 1. Since then many more series have
been discovered and proved helpful in predicting the arrangement of the electrons in different atoms.
Atomic Spectrum of Hydrogen
[CHAPTER 20] ATOMIC SPECTRA 307 The Balmer series contain wavelengths in the visible portion of
the hydrogen spectrum. The spectral lines of hydrogen in series. In the ultraviolet region, the Lyman series
the ultraviolet and infrared regions fall into several other contains the wavelengths given by the formula
Different types of spectra (a) Continuous spectrum

− …… (ii)
2 1
1 n2

1
⎞
formulae: Paschen series
H ⎛
λ= R ⎝⎜ ⎠⎟ (b) Link spectrum

where n = 2, 3, 4, …… (c) Band spectrum

In the infrared region, three spectral series have been

found whose lines have the wavelengths specified by the
91 nm
ser i
e s
1

− ……
1
32 n2

1
⎞
Lyma
n

where n = 4, 5, 6, ……
(iii) Batmer serie
s
Brackett series
H ⎛ 122 nm 365 nm
λ= R ⎝⎜ ⎠⎟
1
 − ……
2 1 2
4 n

1
⎞

where n = 5, 6, 7, ……
(iv) Paschen ser i Wave l ngth
e s λ
H ⎛ 656 nm 820 nm
e

λ= R ⎝⎜ ⎠⎟
Pfund series
1

− …… (v)
1
52 n2

1
⎞

H ⎛
λ= R ⎝⎜ ⎠⎟

where n = 6, 7, 8, ……
The existence of these regularities in the hydrogen spectrum
together with similar regularities in the spectra of more complex
elements, proposes a definite test for any theory of atomic [Link] spectrum of atomic hydrogen.
Only the Balmer series lies in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum.
18/5 nm

Q.3 Write Bohr’s second pastulate and find out formula for Bohr quantized radii.
BOHR’S MODEL OF THE HYDROGEN ATOM
In 1913 Bohr formulated a model of hydrogen atom based on classical physics and Planck’s
Quantum Theory. His atomic model based on the following three postulates

♦ An electron bound to the nucleus in an atom can moves around the nucleus in certain
stationary orbits without radiating energy, these orbits are called discrete stationary states
of the atom.
[CHAPTER 20] ATOMIC SPECTRA 308

♦ Only these stationary orbits are allowed for which the angular momentum is equal to an
h
integral multiple of 2π i.e.,

nh
mvr = 2π

where n = 1, 2, 3, …… and n is called principle quantum number, m and v are the mass and velocity of
 the orbiting electron respectively and h is the Planck, constant.

♦ Whenever, an electron jumps from higher energy state En to the lower energy state Ep, a
photon of energy hf is emitted, so that

hf = En − Ep

c
where f = λis the frequency of the radiation emitted.

de-Broglie’s Interpretation of Bohr’s Orbits

Helium was identified in the sun
At the time of formulation of Bohr theory there was no
2πr
justification for the first two postulates. But postulates
(III) have some roots / justification in Planck’s theory. nh
mvr = 2π
Later on, postulate (II) proved by de-Broglie. Consider a
string of length l as shown in figure. If this string is put Which is postulate 1.
using spectroscopy before it was
into stationary vibrations i.e., l = nλ. Suppose that, the discovered on earth.
string is bent into circle of radius r then, λ

l = 2πr = nλ

2πr = nλ r

2πr
λ= n (a)

By using de-Broglie equation

P
λ
rn
P =h
2πr/n
(b )

P =nh
2πr

mv =nh Stationary wave for n = 3

(c)
[CHAPTER 20] ATOMIC SPECTRA 309 Q.4 Define spectroscopy. Derive expression for radii of
quantized orbit. QUANTIZED RADII
 Consider, a hydrogen atom in which electron is moving with velocity Vn in stationary circular orbit of
radius rn then, by using Bohr’s second postulate.
nh
mvnrn = 2π

vn = nh
2πmrn …… (i)

In this condition the centripetal force is provided by the Coulomb’s force.

Therefore, Fc = Fe
mv2n rn this equation Fc
Fe
rn=ke2 rn =ke2 rn =ke2

n
2 r M
r n
+e
2 2 Proton
mv n =ke

r3
vn
mv2n…… (ii) n=3 e
m
n=2
Putting the values of vn in n=1
Electron

nh 2
⎞ r2
r1
m ⎛
⎝⎜ ⎠⎟ 2πmrn

m×4π m r n
2 2 2

n2h2
rn =ke2

The first Bohr orbit in the hydrogen −11 The second and third Bohr orbits
rn =
2 2
222 n h atom has a radius r = 5.3 x 10 m. 1

2 2
=4π ke mrn rn =n2h2
n2h2
4π2ke2m 4π2ke2m = 0.053 nm

where, r1 = h2 So, rn = n2r1

have radii r = 4r and r = 9r 2131

respectively.

This agrees with experimental measured value and is called first Bohr’s orbit radius of the H-atom.
[CHAPTER 20] ATOMIC SPECTRA 310 This according to Bohr theory the radii of different stationary orbit
of the electron in H-atom are given by

rn = r1, 4r1, 9r1, 16r1, ……

Putting value of rn from eq. (ii) in eq. (i)

∴ Vn = nh

2
2πm ke
mV2n

Vn = nhV2n
2πke2

∴ Vn = 2πke2
nh
This gives speed of electron in nth orbit.
QUANTIZED ENERGY
Let us calculate the total energy En of the electron which is the sum of K.E and P.E that is En =

K.E + P.E …… (i)

Consider a hydrogen atom in which electron moving with velocity Vn is in stationary circular orbit of
radius rn. For this
Fc = Fe
mV2n
rn = ke2
r2n
mV2n = ke2
 rn
Multiply both sides by 1/2

1 2 2
∴ 2mV n = ke
2r

2
∴ K.E. = ke
2rn
and its P.E is

P.E = −ke
2

rn

w = −ke
2

rn
This work is stored as P.E.

P.E = −ke
2

rn
[CHAPTER 20] ATOMIC SPECTRA 311

From definition of potential

∴ eq. (i) becomes difference a
−ke
2
1
En = 2 ke2

+ ⎛
rn ⎝⎜ ⎠⎟⎞ Then, En = −ke2
rn
2 ×n h
2 2
2
=ke
4π2ke2m
2rn−ke 2

rn
En = −ke2
1
En = − 2 ke2
2×4π ke m
2 2
rn
n2h2
But, rn =n2h2
2 2 4
4π2ke2m kem

1 ⎡
En = − n2⎣⎢ ⎦⎥
 W
2π ⎤ V = q′
h2
W = Vq′
2 2 2
Where, 2π (ke ) m
= Constant = E kqq′
h2 o ∴W= r

=k(e)(−e)
So, En = −Eo r

=
−13.6 eV W = −ke
2 2
n
n2 r

Here Eo = 13.6 eV
This work is converted in P.E. ∴ P.E = −ke2
As electric potential due to a charge q at a distance r is V =
kq rn
r.

Which is the energy required to completely remove an electron from the first Bohr orbit. This is y may
be provided to the electron by collision with an called Ionization Energy
external electron. The minimum potential through which this external electron should be accelerated so
that it supply the requisite ionization energy is known as ionization potential.

Thus, for n = 1, 2, 3, ……

Then En = −Eo, −Eo

4,−Eo

9, ……
 The experimentally measured value of the binding energy of the electron in H-atom is in perfect
agreement with the value predicted by Bohr theory.
[CHAPTER 20] ATOMIC SPECTRA 312 Normally the electron in the hydrogen atom is in the lowest energy
state corresponding to n = 1 and this state is called the ground state or normal state. When it is in
higher orbit, it is said to be in the excited state. The atom may be excited by collision with externally
accelerated electron. The potential through which an electron should be accelerated so that, on collision
it can lift the electron in the atom from the ground state to some higher state, is known as excitation
potential. The potential through which an electron should be accelerates so that it can supply the
requisite ionization energy is known as ionization potential.

Q.5 What is hydrogen emission spectrum?

HYDROGEN EMISSION SPECTRUM

Photon must have energy exactly
hf = En − Ep
The results derived above for the energy levels along with
postulate III can be used to arrive at the expression for the
equal to the energy difference between the two
wavelength of the hydrogen spectrum. Suppose that the shells for excitation of an atom but an electron with
electron in the hydrogen atom is in the excited state n K.E greater that the required difference can excite
with energy En and makes a transition to a lower state p the gas atoms.
with energy Ep, where Ep < En, then E (eV)
n=∞
2 0
p 1
⎞ - 0.28 - 0.38 - 0.54 - 0.85 - 1.51 - 3.40

where En = −Eo
− o ⎛
Hence hf = − E ⎝⎜ ⎠⎟
1
2 and E n2 p2
n p= −E o c
Substituting for f = λ Paschen
n=7 n=6 n=5n=4n=3n=2

−
Balmer
hc

1 1
n2 p2 ⎞

o ⎛
λ= −E ⎝⎜ ⎠⎟
1 Eo 1
⎛ ⎞1

Series Limit
n
λ hc ⎝ p ⎠

−
1
1 H ⎛ ⎞ hc and is constant called
or λ= R ⎝⎜ ⎠⎟ Rydberg constant. Its value
1
p2 n2 −
is 1.0974 × 107 m 1which
Where RH = Eo
 - 13.60 Lyman
agrees well with the latest measured value of n=1
H-atom. Q.6 What are X-rays? How are they produced?

Energy level diagram for the H atom.

INNER-SHELL TRANSITIONS AND CHARACTERISTIC X-RAYS

[CHAPTER 20] ATOMIC SPECTRA 313 Ejected
The transitions of electrons in the hydrogen or other light The study of characteristic X-rays spectra has played a
elements results in the emission of spectral lines in the very important role in the study of atomic structure and
infrared, visible or ultraviolet region of electromagnetic the periodic table of elements.
spectrum due to small energy difference in the transition Production of X-rays
levels. In heavy atoms, the electrons are supposed to be electron
arranged in concentric shells named as K, L, M, N, O.
The K-shell being closed to the nucleus, next is L shell Scattered
electron
and so on. The inner shell electron are tightly bounded
and large amount of energy is required to excite them.
After excitation, when an atom returns to the ground K
state photons of larger energy are emitted. Thus, L
M
transition of inner shell electron in heavy atoms gives N
rise to the emittion of light energy or photons or X-rays.
Incident
These X-rays consist of series of wavelengths or high energy
frequencies and hence are called characteristics X-rays. electron

The figure shows an arrangement for production of X-rays which consists of X-rays are electromagnetic
− −
radiation of short wavelength (10 9 m − 10 11 m). X-rays were discovered by Rontgen in 1895 when he
was investigating cathode rays.

♦ An evacuated glass tube or high vacuum tube called X-rays tube.

♦ A source of electron, filament is used as source of electron.

♦ A target, usually tungsten is used as target.

♦ A high voltage battery of several thousands volts.

High voltage

Low Cathode Tungsten disc Anode Cooling oil

Filament C
voltage
FT

Evacuated glass tube X-rays

 Q.7 Explain characteristics X-rays and continuous X-ray spectra. Also write two uses
of X-rays.
WORKING
When the cathode is heated by filament F it emits electrons which are accelerated towards the anode T.
If V is the potential difference between cathode and anode, the K.E with which the electron strikes the
target is given by
K.E = Ve
[CHAPTER 20] ATOMIC SPECTRA 314 Suppose that these fast moving electrons strike a target of heavy
atom. It is possible that the electrons from K shell will be knocked out. Suppose that, one of the electron
in the K-shell is removed creating a hole in that shell. The electron from L-shell jumps to occupy the
space / hole in K-shell, emitting a photon of energy hfKα is called Kα, X-rays given by

hfKα = EL − EK
It is also possible that the electron from the M shell might also jump to occupy the hole in the K shell.
The photons emitted are Kβ X-ray with energies

hfKβ = EM − EK
Intensity characteristic X-rays appear as discrete lines on a
continuous spectrum as
these photons give rise to Kβ X-ray and so on.
The photons emitted in such transitions i.e., inner shell
transitions are called characteristic X-rays, because their
energies depend upon the type of target material.
The holes created in the L and M shells are occupied by λm
transitions of electrons from higher states creating more
X-rays. The 0 0.04 0.08 0.12
shown. Wavelength (nm) Continuous X-rays
The continuous spectrum is due to an effect known at bremsstranhlung or braking radiation. When the
fast moving electrons bombared the target, they are suddenly slowed down on impact with the target.
We know that an accelerating charge emits electromagnetic radiation. Hence, these impacting electrons
emit radiation as they are strongly decelerated by the target. Since the rate of deceleration is so large, the
emitted radiation correspond to short wavelength and so the bremsstrahlung is in the X-ray region. In the
case when the electrons lose all their kinetic energy in the first collision, the entire kinetic energy
appears as a X-ray photon of energy hfmax, i.e.,
K.E. = hfmax

The wavelength λmin corresponds to frequency fmax is as shown. Other electrons do not lose all their
energy in the first collision. They may suffer a number of collisions before coming to rest. This will give
rise to photons of smaller energy or X-rays of longer wavelength. Thus the continuous spectrum is
obtained due to deceleration of impacting electrons.
Properties and Uses of X-rays
Properties
 ♦ They are not deflected by electric and magnetic field, so, this shows that they are chargeless. ♦

They are diffracted by crystals.

♦ They cause ionization in gases.

♦ X-rays can cause photoelectric effect on striking some metal surface.

♦ X-rays are highly penetrating radiations. So, they can pass many substances.

♦ Since X-rays are electromagnetic waves, they exhibit wave properties such as diffraction,
interference.
Uses
[CHAPTER 20] ATOMIC SPECTRA 315 ♦ High energy X-rays are used to destroy cancer cells with in the
body.

♦ X-rays are used at custom and security posts to detect arms.

♦ X-rays are widely use in industry e.g., X-rays photographs show hidden flaws such as cracks. ♦

X-rays are most useful in medical treatment.

♦ X-rays have many practical application in medicine and industry.

Q.8 What is CAT-Scanner?

CAT-SCANNER
In the recent past, several vastly improved X-ray techniques
have been developed. One widely used system is computerized axial
tomography; the corresponding instrument is called CAT-Scanner.
The X-ray source produces a thin fan-shaped beam that is detected on
the opposite side of the subject by an array of several hundred
detectors in a line. Each detector measures absorption of X-ray along
a thin line through the subject. The entire apparatus is rotated around
the subject in the plane of the beam during a few seconds. The
changing reactions of the detector are recorded digitally; seen with older techniques can be detected.
a computer processes this information and reconstructs a
picture of different densities over an entire cross section Q.9 What is the biological effects of X-rays?
of the subject. Density differences of the order of one
percent can be detected with CAT BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF X-RAYS
Scans. Tumors, and other anomalies much too small to be In CAT scanning a “fanned-out” array of X-ray beams is directed
through the patient from a number of different orientations.
 X-rays cause damage to living tissue. As X-ray photons are absorbed in tissues, they break molecular
bonds and create highly reactive free radicals (such as H and OH), which in turn can disturb the
molecular structure of the proteins and especially the genetic material. Young and rapidly growing cells
are particularly susceptible; hence X-rays are useful for selective destruction of cancer cells. On the
other hand a cell may be damaged by radiation but survive, continue dividing and produce generation of
defective cells. Thus X-rays can cause cancer. Even when the organism itself shows no apparent
damage, excessive radiation exposure can cause changes in their productive system that will affect the
organism’s offspring.
Q.10 Explain the uncertainty within the atom.
UNCERTAINTY WITH IN THE ATOM
One of the characteristics of dual nature of atom is a fundamental limitations in the accuracy of the
measurement of the position and momentum of a particle. Heisenberg showed that this is given by the
equation

~
ΔP . Δx − h

or ΔP . Δx ≥ h
[CHAPTER 20] ATOMIC SPECTRA 316 Q. However, these limitations are significant within the atom.
Whether the electron are present in a nucleus.
−
Ans. As the typical nuclei are less than 10 14 m in diameter for an
electron to be confined within such a nucleus, the uncertainty in the
−
position is of the order of 10 14 m. Thus the uncertainty in the
electron’s momentum is

h ΔV ≥ 7.3 × 1010 m/sec.

Δ ≥ Δx
P
Hence, for the electron to be confined to a nucleus, its
speed is greater than 1010 m/sec. That is greater than the
−
ΔP ≥6.63 × 10
34 speed of light. Because, this is impossible. So, we must
conclude that an electron can never be inside the nucleus.
− Q. Can an electron reside inside the atom?
10 14 (a)

−
Therefore, mΔV ≥6.63 × 10
34

−
10 14
(a) This two-dimensional CAT
(b)
−
scan of a brain reveals a large intracranial tumor (colored
ΔV ≥6.63 × 10
34
purple). (b) Three-dimensional CAT scans are now available and
th i s e xa mp l e rev ea l s a n arachnoid cyst (colored yellow) w
−31 −14
9.1 × 10 × 10 i t h i n a s k u l l . I n b o t h photographs the colors are artificial
having been computer generated to aid in distinguishing
anatomical features.

Ans. To find this we have to calculate the speed of electron by considering the radius of the H-atom, that
 −
is 5 × 10 11 m. Thus by using uncertainty principle

h
Δ ≥ Δx
P

h
mΔV ≥ Δx

ΔV ≥h

−
ΔV ≥6.63 × 10
34

− −
9.1 × 10 31 × 5 × 10 11

ΔV ≥ 1.46 × 107 m/sec.

This speed of the electron is less than the speed of light. Therefore, the electron can exist in the atom
but outside the nucleus.

Q.11 What does the word laser stand for? Write any four uses of laser.
LASER
The word laser stands for light amplification by the stimulated emission of radiation. A laser is the
device which produces very narrow beam of light having the following properties.

♦ It is a monochromatic.

[CHAPTER 20] ATOMIC SPECTRA 317 ♦ It is a phase coherent.

♦ It is a uni-directional.
There are some requirements necessary for laser action which are:
(i) Laser active medium.
(ii) Population inversion.
(iii) Existence of metastable state.
(iv) Stimulated emission.
(v) Resonators or reflecting mirrors.
E2
E2
Spontaneous and Stimulated Emissions
hf
E1
Consider a sample of free atoms some of which are in the
E1

figure. The photons of energy hf = E2 −

ground state with energy E1 and some in the excited state E2 as shown in
E1 are incident on this sample. These atoms in two E1
incident photons can interact with (a) Induced absorption E2 E2 E1
different ways. In figure (a) the incident photon is in the ground state E1, thereby leaving the atom in the
absorbed by an atom (b) excited state E2.
Spontaneous emission
This process is called simulated or the atom. (i) It may decay by hfE2 E1
induced absorption. Once in the spontaneous emission as shown in E2 E1
excited state, two things can happen to figure (b), in which the atom emits
a photon of energy hf = E2 − E1 in any arbitrary direction.
(c)
Induced emission

The other alternative for the atom in excited state E 2 is to decay by stimulated or induced emission as
shown in figure (c). In this case the incident photon of energy hf = E 2 − E1 induces the atom to decay by
emitting a photon that travels in the direction of the incident photon. For each incident photon we will
have two photons going in the same direction thus we have accomplished two things; an amplified as
well as a unidirectional coherent beam. From a practical point this is possible only if there is more
stimulated or induced emission than spontaneous emission.
Population Inversion and Laser Action E ~10 s8
3 N
Let us consider a simple case of
a material whose atoms ca
three different states as shown in − Metastable state
atoms can reside of ~ 10 3s, much
figure, E2 Induced absorption
−
state E1 which is ground state; the longer than 10 8s. A
excited state E3, in which the atoms
−
can reside only for 10 8s and the
hf = 6943 nm ’
metastable state E2, in which the N 2 > N1
Input
metastable state is an excited state in which an excited E
only 1
electron is unusually spontaneously falls to lower state stable and from which the electron
Optical pumping Optical (amplified) N1
[CHAPTER 20] ATOMIC SPECTRA 318 after relatively longer time. The transition from or to this state are
difficult as compared to other excited states. Hence, instead of direct E
2
excitation to this state, the electrons are excited to higher assume that the incident
level for spontaneous fall to metastable state. Let us (Large energy)

photons of energy hf = E1 − E3 raise the atom from the ground state E1 E

1
to the excited state E3, but the excited atoms do not decay
back to E1. Thus the only alternative for the atoms in the energy hf = E2 − E1, resulting in an induced emission,
excited state E3 is to decay spontaneously to state E2, the giving an intense, coherent beam in the direction of
atoms reach state E2 much faster than they leave state E2. the incident photon.
This eventually leads to the situation that the state E2
contains more atoms than state E1. This situation is
known as population inversion.
Once the population inversion has been reached, the The emitted photons must be confined in the
lasing action of a laser is simple to achieve. The atoms in assembly long enough to stimulate further emission from
the metastable state E2 are bormbarded by photons of other excited atoms. This is achieved by using mirrors at
the two ends of the assembly. One end is made totally the excited state E . 21
reflecting, and the other end is partially transparent to E2
allow the laser beam to escape. As the photons move
back E1
(Smaller energy) A population inversion, in which
(a) Normal population (b) Population inversion
A normal population of atomic energy state, with more atomic in the higher energy state has a greater population than the lower
the lower energy state E than in energy state.
Large potential
difference

and forth between the reflecting Helium 20.61 eV and 20.66 eV level. The
Partially
mirrors they continue to stimulate silvered mirror high voltage electric discharge
other excited atoms to emit photons. excites the electrons in some of the
As the process continuous the number helium atoms to the 20.61 eV state. In
of photons multiply, and the resulting this laser, population inversion in
radiation is, therefore, much more neon is achieved by direct collisions
intense It is a most common type of lasers with same energy electrons of helium
and coherent than light from ordinary used in physics MetastableMetastable
sources. Helium-Neon Laser
laboratories. Its discharge tube is
Completely filled with 85% helium and 15% neon 20.61 ev 20.66 ev Ground
silvered gas. The neon is the lasing or active
mirror
medium in this tube. By chance, Photon
helium and neon have nearly identical
8.70 ev
metastable states, respectively located

atoms. Thus excited helium atoms collide with neon electron in the neon
atoms, each transferring its own 20.61 eV of energy to anstateGround state

atom along with 0.05 eV of K.E. from the moving atom. As a result, the electrons in neon atoms are
raised to the 20.66 eV state. In this way, a population inversion is sustained in the neon gas relative to an
energy level of 18.70 eV. Spontaneous emission from neon atoms initiate laser action and stimulated
emission causes electrons in the neon to drop from 20.66 eV to the 18.70 eV level and red laser light of
wavelength 632.8 nm corresponding to 1.96 eV energy is generated.
[CHAPTER 20] ATOMIC SPECTRA 319 Uses of Laser

(1) Laser beams are used as surgical tool, for welding detached
retina.
(2) Narrow intense beam of laser can be used to destroy tissue in
a localized area.
(3) Lasers are used to break the stone in human kidney.
(4) Laser can be used for telecommunication along optical
fibres.
(5) A laser beam can be used to drill tiny holes in the (6) Laser also have military applications and laser guided
hardest materials. missile. (7) A laser beam can be used to develop hidden
finger print. of the eye. The use of laser technology
The helium-neon laser beam is being used to diagnose diseases in the field of ophthalmology is widespread.

(8) A laser can be used for the photographic recording of output data of a computer. (9) It can be used
to generate three-dimensional images of objects in a process called holography. Types of Laser
Lasers are classified into three kinds depending on the nature of the laser active medium.
(i) Solid Laser: In solid laser, a fluorescent crystal such as ruby, glass or a semiconductor is used as
laser active medium.
(ii) Liquid Laser: In liquid laser, a dye dissolved in methanol is used as light amplifying substance.
(iii) Gas Laser: In gas laser, a mixture of gases is used as light amplifying substance. e.g., Helium neon
laser, CO2 laser.

[CHAPTER 20] ATOMIC SPECTRA 320 SOLVED EXAMPLES

EXAMPLE 20.1
Find the speed of the electron in the first Bohr orbit.

SOLUTION
By formula

vn = 2πke2
hn where n = 1

−
v1 = 2 × 3.14 × (9 × 109) ×(1.6 × 10 19)2
−
6.63 × 10 34

−
v1 = 2.19 × 106 ms 1
Result
−
Speed of electron = v1 = 2.19 × 106 ms 1