Astronomy › Section E · Radiation and spectra › Topic E.4
The structure of the atom
Why does each element leave its own pattern of lines in a spectrum? The answer lies inside the atom: a tiny nucleus surrounded by electrons that may only have certain energies.
In this topic
- Why astronomers need the atom
- The electron and the nucleus
- Worked example: how empty is an atom?
- Inside the nucleus
- Elements and isotopes
- Rutherford's puzzle
- Bohr's energy levels
- Photons and transitions
- Worked example: a photon from a jump
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Key takeaways
This topic is part of Wuanberri Pro. Checking your access…