Atomic Structure – Notes (JEE/NCERT-Oriented)
1. Introduction
Study of atom: smallest unit of matter retaining chemical properties.
Key models: Dalton → Thomson → Rutherford → Bohr → Quantum Mechanical.
2. Subatomic Particles
Electron: Discovered by J.J. Thomson (cathode ray). Charge = −1.602 × 10⁻¹⁹ C, mass ≈
1/1836 of proton.
Proton: Discovered by Goldstein (canal rays). Charge = +1.602 × 10⁻¹⁹ C.
Neutron: Discovered by Chadwick. Charge = 0.
3. Atomic Models
1. Dalton’s Atomic Theory
o Atom = indivisible. Wrong (existence of subatomic particles).
2. Thomson’s Model (Plum Pudding)
o Positive sphere with embedded electrons. Failed to explain scattering experiment.
3. Rutherford’s Model
o Gold foil experiment.
o Atom has nucleus (dense, positive) + electrons revolving.
o Failed: could not explain stability (electrons should spiral into nucleus).
4. Bohr’s Model
o Electrons revolve in fixed circular orbits.
o Angular momentum quantized:
mvr=nh2πmvr = \dfrac{nh}{2\pi}
o Energy levels:
En=−13.6Z2n2 eVE_n = - \dfrac{13.6 Z^2}{n^2} \ \text{eV}
o Explains H-atom spectrum but fails for multi-electron atoms.
4. Quantum Mechanical Model (Schrödinger)
Electrons: wave + particle.
Wave equation gives orbitals (probability distribution).
Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle:
Δx⋅Δp≥h4π\Delta x \cdot \Delta p \geq \dfrac{h}{4\pi}
Orbitals defined by quantum numbers.
5. Quantum Numbers
1. Principal (n): Energy level, size of orbital.
2. Azimuthal (l): Shape of orbital (0 = s, 1 = p, 2 = d, 3 = f).
3. Magnetic (mₗ): Orientation (−l … 0 … +l).
4. Spin (mₛ): +½ or −½.
6. Shapes of Orbitals
s: spherical
p: dumbbell (3 orientations)
d: cloverleaf (5 orientations)
7. Electronic Configuration
Rules:
o Aufbau principle (fill lower energy first).
o Pauli Exclusion Principle (no two e⁻ have same 4 quantum numbers).
o Hund’s Rule (maximum multiplicity).
Notation: e.g. 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ …
8. Important Concepts
Hydrogen spectrum (Balmer, Lyman, Paschen series).
de Broglie wavelength:
λ=hmv\lambda = \dfrac{h}{mv}
Ionization Energy: energy to remove electron.
Photoelectric Effect (Einstein):
hν=W+KEh\nu = W + KE
9. JEE Focus Points
Numerical on Bohr radius, energy, frequency, wavelength.
Quantum numbers and allowed orbitals.
Exceptions in electronic configuration (Cr, Cu).
Spectral series and their regions (UV, visible, IR).
Application of de Broglie + Heisenberg.
Do you want me to expand this into a full chapter-style detailed explanation with solved
examples, or a short revision sheet with formulas and key points only?
