ENERGY LEVELS AND EMISSION SPECTRA

Energy quanta and energy levels

The electrons in atoms have certain fixed values of energy. The smallest fixed amount of energy
required for a change is called a quantum of energy. The atom is most stable when the electrons
are in the lowest energy possible for each of them. When an atom is ‘heated’, light(radiation) is
absorbed in discrete/distinct amounts. This absorbed light causes the excitation/promotion of
electrons from the lower energy level (ground state) to the higher energy levels. The electrons
are said to be in an excited state. To regain stability, the absorbed light (radiation) is emitted in
discrete amounts called photons.
In any atom there are several possible energy levels. They are given numbers of n=1, n=2, n=3
etc. going further away from the nucleus. These numbers are referred to as Principal Quantum
Numbers (n).
The Bohr model of the atom

n=5
n=4
n=3

n=2
n=1

As we move to the outer shells of the atom, we can see the energy levels getting closer together.
In the Bohr model of the hydrogen atom, a quantum of energy moves the electron in the n=1
level to the n=2 level. A further quantum of energy will excite the electron to the n=3 level. The
more energy an electron has, the higher the energy level it will be in (further away from the
nucleus). When the electron loses energy, it will fall to the lower energy levels, emitting
radiation of characteristic frequencies.
The difference in energy between two energy levels is related to the frequency of radiation by the
equation:
E = hf or hv = hc / λ
Where E = energy in Joules (J)
f or v = frequency
h= Planck’s constant – 6.67 x 10-34 Js-1
c = speed of light
λ = wavelength (in meters)

If the emitted light is examined using a spectroscope, a series of distinct lines are obtained. This
is called the line emission spectra. Each line corresponds to a particular frequency that an
electron can occupy. Therefore, a line emission spectrum is the result of electrons falling from
higher energy levels to lower energy levels.
Hydrogen Emission Spectrum
Each line in this spectrum is a result of electrons moving from a higher to a lower energy level.
Among the several series of lines seen are:
Lyman Series – this is where previously excited electrons fall back to the n = 1 energy level. It is
seen in the ultraviolet region.
Balmer Series – where previously exited electrons fall back to the n=2 energy level. This is seen
in the visible region.
Relative Energies of Orbitals
Sub-Shells (Sub levels) –The principal quantum shells, apart from the first (n=1) are split into
sub-shells called s, p, and d orbitals. Each quantum shell contains various sub shells and holds a
certain number of electrons as shown in the table below:

As we move further away from the nucleus of an atom, the energy of each quantum shell and sub
shell increases. The following diagram shows the energy levels for the first four quantum shells.

At the n=3 levels it is observed that the sub shells do not always conform to the pattern of s, then
p and d orbitals.
At the n=3
level, the 4s
orbitals in lower
in energy
than 3d orbital.
This pattern
will be seen at
the n=4, n=5
level and so
on.