University Physics III · topic UPIII-10.01
Atomic spectra and quantised energy levels
Connect the ideas, make your working visible, and test the result. Use the hints when you need a starting point; open the full solution after your attempt.
Further practice
Work through a fresh case before tackling the extension.
Atomic spectra and quantised energy levels: predict a finite change
An atomic line spectrum is the set of sharp wavelengths an atom emits or absorbs; each line's photon energy hf equals the difference between two of the atom's allowed energy levels, so the spectrum is a map of level differences. Use the supplied topic model Y_out = 13.598*(1/n1^2 - 1/(n1+k)^2), where Y_out is PHOTON ENERGY hf (eV). The output symbol Y_out is distinct from all input symbols. ^ denotes a power; π = 3.141592653589793. n1 is Lower level n₁ (series), dimensionless. Keep k (Upper level above it, n₂ − n₁) = 1 fixed. For this exercise use only 1 ≤ n1 ≤ 3, at the specified test settings separated by 1. A grid of test settings is an input restriction for this exercise, not by itself a claim of physical quantisation. This calculation retains the topic model's stated assumptions; it does not extend them to a different physical setup. Calculate Y_out at n1 = 1 and 2. Find the signed output change ΔY_out and the average sensitivity ΔY_out/Δn1 across this interval. State whether the response increases or decreases; explain why a finite difference between these settings does not require interpolation between them.
PHOTON ENERGY hf against n1
Predictions from the supplied Atomic spectra and quantised energy levels model, with all other inputs fixed as stated in the question. 3 calibration points support a trend comparison; they are not measured data or a straight-line law.
Vertical axis (y): PHOTON ENERGY hf / eV
Horizontal axis (x): n1: Lower level n₁ (series)
Axes show the supplied calibration interval; the origin may lie outside the plot.
Read the exact data as a table
| n1: Lower level n₁ (series) | PHOTON ENERGY hf / eV |
|---|---|
| 1 | 10.198500000000001 |
| 2 | 1.8886111111111112 |
| 3 | 0.6610138888888888 |
These are the supplied values, not a worked answer. No fitted trend is drawn.
Show a hint
Substitute each value of n1 separately while keeping every other input fixed, then subtract in the same order.
Reveal the worked solution
- At n1 = 1, substitute into Y_out = 13.598*(1/n1^2 - 1/(n1+k)^2): Y₀ = 10.1985 eV.
- At n1 = 2, the same fixed-parameter model gives Y₁ = 1.88861 eV.
- Signed change: ΔY_out = Y₁ − Y₀ = -8.30989 eV; the input change is Δn1 = 1.
- Average sensitivity is ΔY_out/Δn1 = -8.30989 eV per unit input. Its negative sign means that this response decreases over the specified interval.
- This finite difference compares two specified test settings without interpolating between them. A point derivative is not required. Any quantum numbers or particle counts must also obey their physical admissibility conditions.
Answer Y₀ = 10.1985 eV, Y₁ = 1.88861 eV; ΔY_out = -8.30989 eV; average sensitivity = -8.30989 eV per unit input.
Compare the assumptions, method and units with your attempt. Explain any correction before trying another question.
Extra challenging questions
Work through the linked stages and explain what each result means.
Atomic spectra and quantised energy levels: infer an input with uncertainty
An atomic line spectrum is the set of sharp wavelengths an atom emits or absorbs; each line's photon energy hf equals the difference between two of the atom's allowed energy levels, so the spectrum is a map of level differences. Use the supplied topic model Y_out = 13.598*(1/n1^2 - 1/(n1+k)^2), where Y_out is PHOTON ENERGY hf (eV). The output symbol Y_out is distinct from all input symbols. ^ denotes a power; π = 3.141592653589793. n1 is Lower level n₁ (series), dimensionless. Keep k (Upper level above it, n₂ − n₁) = 1 fixed. For this exercise use only 1 ≤ n1 ≤ 3, at the specified test settings separated by 1. A grid of test settings is an input restriction for this exercise, not by itself a claim of physical quantisation. This calculation retains the topic model's stated assumptions; it does not extend them to a different physical setup. A reading gives Y_out = 1.8886111 eV, with a bounded reading uncertainty ±0.763 eV. Treat the model and all fixed inputs as exact for this exercise; the bound is not a standard deviation. Determine every allowed value of n1 consistent with that bound. Compare with a straight-line interpolation between the two endpoint predictions, and explain why a fractional setting may be inadmissible. Do not assume that the supplied calibration points prove monotonicity outside this branch.
PHOTON ENERGY hf against n1
Predictions from the supplied Atomic spectra and quantised energy levels model, with all other inputs fixed as stated in the question. 3 calibration points support a trend comparison; they are not measured data or a straight-line law.
Vertical axis (y): PHOTON ENERGY hf / eV
Horizontal axis (x): n1: Lower level n₁ (series)
Axes show the supplied calibration interval; the origin may lie outside the plot.
Read the exact data as a table
| n1: Lower level n₁ (series) | PHOTON ENERGY hf / eV |
|---|---|
| 1 | 10.198500000000001 |
| 2 | 1.8886111111111112 |
| 3 | 0.6610138888888888 |
These are the supplied values, not a worked answer. No fitted trend is drawn.
Show a hint
Enumerate the permitted settings in the stated range, evaluate Y_out at each, and retain every setting satisfying |Y_out − Y_measured| ≤ u. The plotted predictions are supplied calibration evidence.
Reveal the worked solution
- Endpoint predictions are Y_out(1) = 10.1985 eV and Y_out(3) = 0.661014 eV. The target lies between them. On the selected branch the response is strictly decreasing.
- Endpoint interpolation gives n1_line = 1 + (1.88861 − 10.1985)(3 − 1)/(0.661014 − 10.1985) = 2.74257. This estimates the inverse of the endpoint chord, rather than assuming that chord is the physical model.
- Evaluate the model at each permitted setting. The central reading corresponds to n1 = 2; only the allowed settings 2 lie inside the stated reading bound.
- The interpolation error in the input is |n1_line − n1| = 0.742574.
- The compatible allowed values span 2 to 2. Values between specified test settings are outside this exercise's input domain even if an interpolation passes through them.
- The quoted output bound restricts which specified settings remain compatible. It does not change physical restrictions on quantum numbers or counts, and the chosen grid alone does not establish physical quantisation.
Answer Compatible n1: 2. Endpoint interpolation predicts 2.74257; check admissibility against the discrete settings.
Compare the assumptions, method and units with your attempt. Explain any correction before trying another question.