EM Waves & Atoms (Edexcel GCSE Physics)

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EM Waves & Atoms

  • Atoms can interact with electromagnetic (EM) waves in one of two ways, they can be:
    • Absorbed
    • Emitted

  • When an EM wave hits an atom, it can be absorbed by one of the electrons giving it energy
    • This causes the electron to move up to a higher energy level

  • Then an electron will move back down to a lower energy level and will emit an EM wave in the process

EM-waves-&-atoms, IGCSE & GCSE Physics revision notes

The electrons orbiting atoms can absorb and emit EM waves by moving between different energy levels

  • In this way, atoms can absorb and emit electromagnetic waves over a wide range of frequencies depending on the gap between the energy level that the electron has moved
  • The energies associated with electron transitions tend to be in the visible and ultraviolet range (and sometimes X-rays)
  • Higher energies (ie. gamma rays) can only be achieved when EM waves interact with the nucleus
    • The nucleus of an atom can absorb and emit EM waves in a similar way to electrons

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Katie M

Author: Katie M

Expertise: Physics

Katie has always been passionate about the sciences, and completed a degree in Astrophysics at Sheffield University. She decided that she wanted to inspire other young people, so moved to Bristol to complete a PGCE in Secondary Science. She particularly loves creating fun and absorbing materials to help students achieve their exam potential.