Atomic Physics · SHS1 Physics

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 1.4.1.LI.2 - Calculate the energy of a photon during a transition.

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Recall the relationship between the energy of a photon, Planck’s constant, and the frequency of the emitted or absorbed radiation, using the formula E = hf.
Calculate the frequency of a photon when given its energy, using the rearranged formula f = E/h.
Calculate the energy difference between two atomic energy levels given the frequencies (or wavelengths) of emitted photons for hydrogen-like atoms.
Explain, using Bohr’s model, how the bright line spectrum of an atom arises from electron transitions between discrete energy levels.
Solve multi-step problems that connect energy level diagrams to photon energies, frequencies, and wavelengths for real transitions.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Atomic and Nuclear Physics (Strand 4)
Sub-strand: Atomic Physics (4.1)
Content standard: 1.4.1.CS.1 - Demonstrate knowledge of J. J. Thompson's, Rutherford's, Bohr's models of the atom and recognise their limitations. 1.4.1.LO.1 Describe the of the various atomic models. i.e., J. J. Thompson's, Rutherford's and Bohr's.
Indicator: 1.4.1.LI.2 - Calculate the energy of a photon during a transition.
Suggested placement: Semester 2, Week 18 (Week 38 of the year)
Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.
Source document note: The official curriculum document has a fault in this entry, so the curriculum text above is transcribed exactly as printed:

indicator text - p.80: the document prints this learning indicator code as 1. X.4.1.LI.2, with a literal X where the strand digit belongs; the content standard beside it reads 1.4.1.CS.1 and the assessment 1.4.1.AS.2
Curriculum reference: NaCCA curriculum document, p. 80

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

Think Pair Share: Let learners watch a video or a simulation of how electrons jump from one energy level to another. Guide learners to calculate the energy of a photon using E = hf
Encourage the appreciation and valuing of the skills and abilities of individuals from diverse backgrounds, including gender, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and disabilities.
Assessment (1.4.1.AS.2). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 3 Strategic reasoning.
Teaching and Learning Resources:
- Videos,
- PhET interactive simulations,
- projectors,
- audio-visuals,
- atomic activity model