ATM-013 · Atoms and molecules Sample material

The periodic table. Characteristic X-rays

The filling of atomic electron shells and the quantum basis of Mendeleev's periodic table; characteristic X-rays, Moseley's law and the Auger effect.

Estimated time: 3 h 4 activities

Learning objective

Explain the structure of the periodic table on the basis of the Pauli principle and minimum energy.
Learn to write electron configurations by the Madelung (Klechkovsky) rule.
Master the mechanism of the characteristic X-ray spectrum and Moseley's law.
Understand the essence of the Auger effect and its competition with X-ray emission.

Expected outcomes

Can explain where the number of elements in the periods (2, 8, 8, 18, 18, 32, 32) comes from.
Can write the electron configuration of any light or medium element.
Calculates the energy and wavelength of the Kα line by Moseley's law and identifies an element from the wavelength.
Can estimate the energy of an Auger electron and knows the applications of Auger spectroscopy.

Interactive modelX-ray spectrum: bremsstrahlung and characteristic lines

Activities

Lecture
Lecture · 1 h 20 min · required
Many-electron atoms. Characteristic X-rays. Moseley's law.
Practice · 1 h 20 min · required
Moseley's law. The Auger effect
Self-study · 6 h 10 min · optional
Final test
Test · 20 min · required · pass ≥ 70%

Completion conditions

  • Lecture
  • Many-electron atoms. Characteristic X-rays. Moseley's law.
  • Final test — at least 70%