Frequency, Time Period And Angular Frequency

Frequency, Time Period And Angular Frequency

Edited By Shivani Poonia | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 05:53 PM IST


Introduction To Time-Period And Frequency Of Revolution Of An Electron

Chemistry in other words principally focuses on electron actions in an atom. With the help of Niels Bohr's atomic model, in which electrons were envisaged to revolve in circular orbits centred at the nucleus with fixed energy, it has provided a great advancement in understanding the atomic structure and chemical characteristics. Each specified by a principal quantum number is an energy state. Further, we get interested in the time period and frequency of an electron’s revolution in these orbits. Where, ‘time-period, ‘ varies as is the time taken by an electron to complete one full orbit around the nucleus, and ‘frequency, ‘, is the number of complete orbits per unit of time. These are important because they affect the energy state of electrons and the witnessed results during atomic emission and atomic absorption spectroscopy. Through these studies, chemists learn about transitions that occur to electrons, the energy that is absorbed or emitted, and an electronic configuration that determines the stability and reactivity of the atom.

This Story also Contains
  1. Introduction To Time-Period And Frequency Of Revolution Of An Electron
  2. Time Period and Frequency of Revolution of an Electron in the nth Bohr orbit
  3. Conclusion
Frequency, Time Period And Angular Frequency
Frequency, Time Period And Angular Frequency

In this article, we will cover the concept of Time Period and Frequency of the Revolution of an Electron in the nth Bohr orbit. This concept falls under the broader category of Atomic structure, which is a crucial chapter in Class 11 chemistry. It is not only essential for board exams but also for competitive exams like the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE Main), National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET), and other entrance exams such as SRMJEE, BITSAT, WBJEE, BCECE, and more.

Let us study in detail the time Period and Frequency of Revolution of an Electron in the nth Bohr orbit to gain insights into this topic and solve a few related problems.

Time Period and Frequency of Revolution of an Electron in the nth Bohr orbit

As the spectroscopists, the time-period and frequency of an electron’s revolution in the nth Bohr orbit are basic necessary parameters in chemistry. Niels Bohr’s atomic model introduced the concept of orbits in which electrons revolve in circles around the nucleus and each orbit is defined by a number called the principal quantum number (n). The time-period (Tn) is the time taken by a particular electron to revolve in a particular orbit and can be determined as:

(Tn=2πrnvn), where (rn) is the radius of the nth orbit and (vn) is the velocity of the electron in that orbit

On the other hand, frequency [νn] is defined as the number of vibrations per second or the number of complete oscillations per second, it is connected with the difference in energy levels between the concerned orbits. These concepts are very vital in spectroscopy, whereby they determine the emission and absorption of photons which correspond to energy transitions. They also determine the stability of the atomic nucleus as well as the chemical activity, giving details on the status of elements and molecules.

Although the precise equations for the time period and frequency of revolution are not required, it is still a good idea to look at the variations of these with the atomic number (Z) and the orbit number (n).

We know that Time period (T) is the time required for one complete revolution and that Frequency (ν) is the inverse of the time period
T= distance time =2πrvrn2Z and vZnT(n2Z×nZ)(n3Z2)ν=(1T)(Z2n3)


You must remember all the above formulas and relations

For a better understanding of the topic and to learn more about Frequency, Time Period And Angular Frequency with video lesson we provide the link to the

YouTube video:


Solved Examples Based on Time Period and Frequency of Revolution of an Electron in the nth Bohr Orbit

Example 1: Ratio of frequency of revolution of the electron in the 2nd excited state of He+and 2nd state state of hydrogen is.

1) (correct) 3227
2) 2732
3) 154
4) 272

Solution:

f1f2=z12n13×n23z22n1=3,n2=3,z1=2,z2=1
putting these value in the equation we get
2233×231=3227

Hence, the answer is the option (1).

Example 2: The time taken for an electron to complete one revolution in the Bohr orbit of the hydrogen atom is

1) (correct) 4π2mr2nh
2) nh4π2mr
3) nh4π2mr2
4) h4πmr

Solution:

We know that time period is the time taken for one complete revolution.

T=2πrV(1)

Now, we know that the angular momentum of an electron in nth orbit is given by
mVr=nh2πV=nh2πmr

From equations (1) and (2),
T=2πrV=2πrnh2πmr=4π2mr2nh

Hence, the answer is the option (1).

Example 3:Determine the frequency of revolution of the electron in 3rd Bohr's orbit in hydrogen atom:

1) (correct) 0.024 x 1016Hz

2) 3.4 x 1016Hz

3) 8.13 x 1016Hz

4) 0.054 x 1016Hz

Solution:

As we have learnt,

Frequency = 1/(Time period)

Period = Total distance covered/velocity

= 2πr/v

Thus, frequency = v/2πr

Now, velocity of electron in 3rd Bohr’s orbit = 2.16 x 106(1/3)m/s

= 0.72 x 106m/s

And, radius of 3rd Bohr’s orbit = 0.53 x 10-10(32/1)

= 4.77 x 10-10m

Now, frequency = v/2πr

= 0.72 x 106m/s / (2 x 3.14 x 4.77 x 10-10m)

= 0.024 x 1016Hz

Hence, the answer is the option (1).

Example 4: The ratio of the orbital frequency of electron of hydrogen in the 3rd and 2nd orbital is:

1) 3.37

2) (correct)0.29

3) 0.44

4) 2.25

Solution

We know that,
Frequency Z2n3
For the same value of Z,
f1n3f3f2=133123=827=0.29

Hence, the answer is the option (2).

Conclusion

Finally, It is comprehensible and quite reasonable that two of the most important concepts in atomic structure and atomic behaviour are the time period and frequency of revolution of the electrons in Bohr orbits. Niels Bohr’s model was essential in giving a foundation for a concept which stated that electrons orbit in a particular path with fixed energies. Regarding these orbits, two quantitative parameters known as the time period and the frequency affect atomic spectra, which show various lines for energy transitions. These parameters are basic in spectroscopy where the kinds of elements and composition of chemicals by emitted or absorbed radiation are determined. Also, they stress atomic stability, asserting that transitions between energy levels determine chemical activity and bonding characteristics. In addition to theoretical significance, knowledge about electron orbits improves technological advancements, like lasers and quantum computing, based on specific energy changes. Hence one can deduce an understanding of time-period and frequency concerning Bohr orbits that enhances understanding of atomic physics and stimulates improvement in fields of science as well as technology.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is this time period: tn, where n is an integer referring to the nth Bohr orbit or shell?

The time-period (Tn) is the time that takes an electron to go around the nucleus in the particular orbit it is in.


2. How to connect the frequency in chemistry to electron orbits?

Frequency (νn) is given by the number of complete orbits an electron has per unit of time in its nth Bohr orbit, the parameter that characterizes the electron's angular momentum and energy.


3. What is the role of time-period and frequency in atomic spectroscopy?

They define the change-over of energy between two orbits of electrons and thus decide the release or absorption of photons resulting in the production of spectral lines engaged in the identification of elements in chemical analysis.

4. How does the concept of frequency apply to the wave nature of electrons?
According to de Broglie's hypothesis, electrons exhibit wave-like properties. The frequency of an electron wave is related to its energy by the equation E = hf, where E is the energy, h is Planck's constant, and f is the frequency. This concept is fundamental to understanding electron behavior in atoms.
5. What is the significance of the time period in atomic clocks?
Atomic clocks use the precise and stable frequency of electron transitions in atoms (usually cesium) to measure time. The time period of these transitions is extremely consistent, allowing for incredibly accurate timekeeping. One second is defined as 9,192,631,770 periods of the radiation corresponding to the transition between two hyperfine levels of cesium-133.
6. How does the uncertainty principle relate to frequency and time period?
Heisenberg's uncertainty principle states that there's a fundamental limit to the precision with which certain pairs of physical properties can be determined. For frequency and time, this means that the more precisely we measure the frequency of a wave, the less precisely we can know its duration (time period), and vice versa.
7. What is meant by the "natural frequency" of an atom?
The natural frequency of an atom refers to the frequency at which electrons in the atom naturally oscillate or transition between energy levels. This frequency is determined by the atom's structure and energy levels. When an atom is exposed to electromagnetic radiation at its natural frequency, it can absorb or emit photons, leading to spectral lines.
8. How does the concept of resonance frequency apply to atoms?
Resonance frequency in atoms occurs when the frequency of an external force (like electromagnetic radiation) matches the natural frequency of the atom's electron oscillations. At resonance, the atom can efficiently absorb energy, leading to phenomena like atomic excitation or ionization.
9. What is frequency in the context of atomic structure?
Frequency in atomic structure refers to the number of waves or oscillations that pass a fixed point in space per unit of time, typically measured in Hertz (Hz). In the context of electrons, it relates to the number of times an electron completes an orbit or energy level transition per second.
10. How does the time period relate to frequency?
The time period is inversely related to frequency. It represents the time taken for one complete oscillation or cycle. Mathematically, the time period (T) is equal to 1 divided by the frequency (f): T = 1/f. As frequency increases, the time period decreases, and vice versa.
11. How does the Bohr model of the atom incorporate frequency?
In the Bohr model, electrons orbit the nucleus at specific energy levels. When an electron transitions between these levels, it emits or absorbs a photon with a specific frequency. This frequency is directly related to the energy difference between the levels, as described by the equation ΔE = hf.
12. What is angular frequency and how is it different from regular frequency?
Angular frequency (ω) is the rate of change of angular displacement, measured in radians per second. It differs from regular frequency (f) in that it considers the angular motion of a particle. The relationship between angular frequency and regular frequency is ω = 2πf.
13. Why is angular frequency important in quantum mechanics?
Angular frequency is crucial in quantum mechanics because it relates to the energy of a photon or particle wave. The famous equation E = hf (where E is energy, h is Planck's constant, and f is frequency) can be written as E = ℏω, where ℏ is the reduced Planck's constant and ω is the angular frequency.
14. What is the relationship between wavelength and frequency in atomic spectra?
Wavelength (λ) and frequency (f) are inversely related in atomic spectra, as described by the equation c = λf, where c is the speed of light. As the frequency of emitted or absorbed light increases, its wavelength decreases, and vice versa.
15. How does temperature affect the frequency of atomic vibrations?
Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of particles. As temperature increases, atoms vibrate more rapidly, increasing their vibrational frequency. This relationship is important in spectroscopy and explains why materials emit different colors of light at different temperatures.
16. What is the connection between frequency and the photoelectric effect?
The photoelectric effect occurs when light incident on a material causes the emission of electrons. The frequency of the light determines whether electrons will be emitted. There is a threshold frequency below which no electrons are emitted, regardless of the light's intensity. This phenomenon helped establish the particle nature of light.
17. How does the concept of frequency apply to the Zeeman effect?
The Zeeman effect describes the splitting of spectral lines in the presence of a magnetic field. This splitting occurs because the magnetic field affects the energy levels of the atom, changing the frequencies of transitions between these levels. The frequency shifts are proportional to the strength of the magnetic field.
18. What is the significance of the Larmor frequency in atomic physics?
The Larmor frequency is the rate of precession of the magnetic moment of an atom around the direction of an external magnetic field. It's important in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy, where it determines the frequency of energy absorption or emission.
19. How does the hyperfine structure of atoms relate to frequency?
Hyperfine structure refers to small shifts and splittings in the energy levels of atoms, molecules, and ions due to interactions between the nucleus and electron cloud. These subtle energy differences result in very close, but distinct, frequencies in spectral lines, which are crucial for high-precision spectroscopy and atomic clocks.
20. How does the concept of beat frequency apply to atomic systems?
Beat frequency in atomic systems occurs when two close but slightly different frequencies interfere. This concept is important in atomic clocks and spectroscopy, where the difference between two frequencies can be measured more precisely than either frequency alone. The beat frequency is the difference between the two interfering frequencies.
21. What is the connection between frequency and the fine structure constant?
The fine structure constant (α) is a fundamental physical constant that characterizes the strength of the electromagnetic interaction between elementary charged particles. It appears in expressions for the frequencies of spectral lines, particularly in the fine structure of atomic spectra, which involves slight shifts in these frequencies due to relativistic and spin-orbit coupling effects.
22. How does the Stark effect influence the frequency of spectral lines?
The Stark effect describes the splitting or shifting of spectral lines in the presence of an electric field. This effect changes the energy levels of atoms, thus altering the frequencies of transitions between these levels. The magnitude of the frequency shift is generally proportional to the strength of the electric field.
23. How does the concept of frequency apply to the Compton effect?
The Compton effect demonstrates the particle nature of light through the scattering of photons by electrons. The frequency of the scattered photon is lower than that of the incident photon, with the change in frequency depending on the scattering angle. This frequency shift is described by the Compton formula and is crucial for understanding light-matter interactions.
24. What is the relationship between frequency and the de Broglie wavelength?
The de Broglie wavelength (λ) of a particle is related to its momentum (p) by the equation λ = h/p, where h is Planck's constant. For a photon, p = hf/c, where f is frequency and c is the speed of light. Substituting this into the de Broglie equation gives λ = c/f, showing the inverse relationship between wavelength and frequency for light.
25. How does the concept of frequency apply to electron spin resonance (ESR)?
In electron spin resonance, unpaired electrons in a magnetic field absorb electromagnetic radiation at specific frequencies. The frequency of absorption depends on the strength of the magnetic field and the magnetic properties of the electron. This technique is used to study materials with unpaired electrons, such as free radicals.
26. How does the concept of frequency apply to the Auger effect?
The Auger effect occurs when an atom with an inner-shell electron vacancy fills that vacancy with an outer-shell electron, simultaneously emitting another outer-shell electron. The frequency of the emitted Auger electron is characteristic of the atom and the specific electron transition, making it useful for elemental analysis in surface science.
27. What is the relationship between frequency and the Rabi cycle in quantum optics?
The Rabi cycle describes the oscillation of a two-level quantum system (like an atom) between its ground and excited states when interacting with an oscillating electromagnetic field. The Rabi frequency is the frequency of these oscillations and depends on the strength of the electromagnetic field and its detuning from the atom's resonant frequency.
28. How does the concept of frequency apply to nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)?
In NMR, atomic nuclei in a magnetic field absorb and re-emit electromagnetic radiation at specific frequencies. These frequencies depend on the strength of the magnetic field and the magnetic properties of the nuclei. NMR frequencies are typically in the radio frequency range and are used to study molecular structure and dynamics.
29. How does the concept of frequency apply to the Moseley's law?
Moseley's law relates the frequency of characteristic X-rays emitted by elements to their atomic numbers. It states that the square root of the frequency of the emitted X-rays is directly proportional to the atomic number of the element. This law was crucial in establishing the concept of atomic number and in predicting the existence of new elements.
30. What is the relationship between frequency and the Lamb shift?
The Lamb shift is a small difference in energy levels of an atom that is not predicted by the Dirac equation. It results in a slight shift in the frequency of spectral lines. The Lamb shift arises from quantum electrodynamic effects and was important in the development of quantum electrodynamics theory.
31. How does the concept of frequency apply to the Franck-Hertz experiment?
The Franck-Hertz experiment demonstrates the quantized nature of atomic energy levels. Electrons colliding with mercury atoms transfer energy in discrete amounts, corresponding to specific frequencies of light emitted when the atoms return to their ground state. These discrete energy transfers result in peaks in the current-voltage curve at specific voltages.
32. What is meant by the "resonance frequency" in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)?
In NMR, the resonance frequency is the frequency at which nuclei in a magnetic field absorb radio waves. It depends on the strength of the applied magnetic field and the gyromagnetic ratio of the nucleus. The resonance frequency is given by the Larmor equation: ω = γB₀, where ω is the angular frequency, γ is the gyromagnetic ratio, and B₀ is the strength of the magnetic field.
33. How does the concept of frequency apply to the photoelectric effect's threshold frequency?
The threshold frequency in the photoelectric effect is the minimum frequency of light required to eject electrons from a material. Light below this frequency, regardless of intensity, will not cause electron emission. This concept was crucial in establishing the particle nature of light and is described by Einstein's photoelectric equation: hf = Φ + KEmax, where h is Planck's constant, f is frequency, Φ is the work function, and KEmax is the maximum kinetic energy of ejected electrons.
34. What is the significance of the Nyquist frequency in atomic measurements?
The Nyquist frequency, while not specific to atomic physics, is important in digital sampling of atomic measurements. It represents the highest frequency that can be accurately sampled without aliasing. In atomic clocks and high-precision spectroscopy, ensuring that the sampling rate is at least twice the highest frequency component (the Nyquist frequency) is crucial for accurate measurements.
35. How does the concept of frequency apply to the Doppler effect in atomic spectroscopy?
The Doppler effect in atomic spectroscopy refers to the shift in frequency of light emitted or absorbed by moving atoms. When an atom moves towards an observer, the frequency appears higher (blueshift), and when it moves away, the frequency appears lower (redshift). This effect is used in laser cooling of atoms and in measuring the temperature and velocity of atomic gases.
36. What is the relationship between frequency and the fine structure of atomic spectra?
The fine structure of atomic spectra refers to small splittings in spectral lines due to the interaction between an electron's orbital angular momentum and its spin. These splittings result in closely spaced frequencies in the spectrum. The energy differences responsible for fine structure are typically much smaller than the main energy level differences, resulting in very close but distinct frequencies.
37. How does the concept of frequency apply to the Stark effect in hydrogen atoms?
In the Stark effect, an external electric field causes a shift in the energy levels of an atom, resulting in changes to the frequencies of spectral lines. For hydrogen atoms, this effect leads to a linear splitting of spectral lines for the first-order Stark effect, and a quadratic splitting for the second-order effect. The frequency shifts are proportional to the strength of the electric field.
38. What is meant by the "natural linewidth" of an atomic transition?
The natural linewidth refers to the inherent uncertainty in the frequency of light emitted during an atomic transition. It arises from the Heisenberg uncertainty principle and is related to the lifetime of the excited state. The natural linewidth is the minimum possible width of a spectral line and is described by a Lorentzian distribution of frequencies centered around the transition frequency.
39. What is the relationship between frequency and energy levels in an atom?
The frequency of light emitted or absorbed by an atom is directly proportional to the energy difference between two electron energy levels. This relationship is described by the equation ΔE = hf, where ΔE is the energy difference, h is Planck's constant, and f is the frequency of the light.
40. How does the Rydberg formula relate to frequency in atomic spectra?
The Rydberg formula calculates the wavelengths (and thus frequencies) of light in an atom's emission spectrum. It's expressed as 1/λ = R(1/n₁² - 1/n₂²), where λ is wavelength, R is the Rydberg constant, and n₁ and n₂ are integers representing energy levels. This formula helps predict the frequencies of spectral lines.
41. What is meant by the "ground state frequency" of an electron in an atom?
The ground state frequency refers to the frequency associated with an electron's transition from the first excited state to the ground state (lowest energy state) of an atom. This frequency corresponds to the energy difference between these two states and is unique for each element.
42. What is the relationship between frequency and the speed of an electron in the Bohr model?
In the Bohr model, the frequency of an electron's orbit is related to its speed and the radius of the orbit. The frequency (f) is given by f = v/(2πr), where v is the electron's speed and r is the radius of the orbit. This relationship helps explain the quantized nature of electron energy levels.
43. What is meant by the "characteristic frequency" of an element?
The characteristic frequency of an element refers to the specific frequencies of light emitted or absorbed by that element's atoms. These frequencies correspond to electron transitions between energy levels and are unique to each element, serving as a "fingerprint" for identifying elements in spectroscopy.
44. What is the significance of the cyclotron frequency in atomic physics?
The cyclotron frequency is the angular frequency of a charged particle moving perpendicular to a uniform magnetic field. In atomic physics, it's relevant to the behavior of electrons in magnetic fields and plays a role in various spectroscopic techniques and particle accelerators. The cyclotron frequency is given by ωc = qB/m, where q is the particle's charge, B is the magnetic field strength, and m is the particle's mass.
45. What is the significance of the plasma frequency in atomic physics?
The plasma frequency is the natural frequency of oscillation of electrons in a plasma. In atomic physics, it's relevant to the behavior of electrons in metals and other conductive materials. Electromagnetic waves with frequencies below the plasma frequency are reflected, while those above can propagate through the material.
46. How does the concept of frequency apply to the hyperfine splitting in hydrogen atoms?
Hyperfine splitting in hydrogen atoms results from the interaction between the electron's magnetic moment and the proton's magnetic moment. This interaction leads to very small energy differences, resulting in closely spaced frequencies in the spectrum. The most famous example is the 21 cm line of hydrogen, which corresponds to a frequency of about 1420 MHz.
47. What is the significance of the Rydberg constant in terms of frequency?
The Rydberg constant (R) is a fundamental physical constant related to atomic spectra. It appears in the Rydberg formula, which calculates the wavelengths (and thus frequencies) of spectral lines in many atoms. The Rydberg constant can be expressed in terms of frequency as R = 3.28984 × 10¹⁵ Hz, representing the highest frequency possible for a photon emitted by a hydrogen atom.

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