The Theory of Spectra and Atomic Constitution
Three Essays

This 1924 second edition contains three essays dealing with the application of quantum theory to problems of atomic structure.

Niels Bohr (Author)

9781107669819, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 16 June 2011

150 pages
21.6 x 14 x 0.9 cm, 0.2 kg

Niels Bohr (1885–1962) was a Danish physicist who played a key role in the development of atomic theory and quantum mechanics, he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1922. First published in 1924, this second edition of a 1922 original contains three essays by Bohr dealing with the application of quantum theory to problems of atomic structure: the first essay is on the spectrum of hydrogen; the second is on the series spectra of the elements; the third is on the structure of the atom and the physical and chemical properties of the elements. The essays do not aim at a comprehensive treatment of their subjects, instead providing the reader with a more accessible, generalised viewpoint. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in Bohr's contribution to physics.

Part I. On the Spectrum of Hydrogen: 1. Empirical spectral laws
2. Laws of temperature radiation
3. The nuclear theory of the atom
4. Quantum theory of spectra
5. Hydrogen spectrum
6. The Pickering lines
7. Other spectra
Part II. On the Series Spectra of the Elements
Section 1. Introduction
Section 2. General Principles of the Quantum Theory of Spectra: 8. Hydrogen spectrum
9. The correspondence principle
10. General spectral laws
11. Absorption and excitation of radiation
Section 3. Development of the Quantum Theory of Spectra: 12. Effect of external forces on the hydrogen spectrum
13. The Stark effect
14. The Zoeman effect
15. Central pertubations
16. Relativity effect of hydrogen lines
17. Theory of series spectra
18. Correspondence principle and conservation of angular momentum
19. The spectra of helium and lithium
20. Complex structure of series lines
Section 4. Conclusion
Part III. The Structure of the Atom and the Physical and Chemical Properties of the Elements
Section 5. Preliminary: 21. The nuclear atom
22. The postulates of the quantum theory
23. Hydrogen atom
24. Hydrogen spectrum and x-ray spectra
25. The fine structure of the hydrogen lines
26. Periodic table
27. Recent atomic models
Section 6. Series Spectra and the Capture of Electrons by Atoms: 28. Arc and spark spectra
29. Series diagram
30. Correspondence principle
Section 7. Formation of Atoms and the Periodic Table: 31. First period. Hydrogen-helium
32. Second period. Lithium-neon
33. Third period. Sodium-argon
34. Fourth period. Potassium-Krypton
35. Fifth period. Rubidium-xenon
36. Sixth period. Caesium-niton
37. Seventh period
38. Survey of the periodic table
Section 8. Reorganization of Atoms and X-Ray SPectra: 39. Absorption and emission of x-rays and correspondence principle
40. X-ray spectra and atomic structure
41. Classification of x-ray spectra
42. Conclusion
Appendix.

Subject Areas: Physics [PH]