About the lecture

In this mini-lecture, we introduce atomic structure, focusing in particular on: (i) the atomic structure of the hydrogen atom, through which we introduce the proton, neutron, and electron; (ii) isotopes of elements; (iii) a brief interlude on the fundamental particles of nature from the Standard Model; (iv) models of the atom, including the Plum Pudding Model and the Nuclear (or Solar System) Model: (v) Ernest Rutherford’s gold foil experiment that tested the Plum Pudding Model and showed that the Nuclear Model was more accurate; (vi) a demonstration of the gold foil experiment; (vii) the emission spectra of elements, specifically that of hydrogen known as the Balmer series; (viii) a hydrogen lamp that illustrates the Balmer series; (ix) orbits of electrons and how electrons move between energy levels; and (x) atomic subshells.

About the lecturer

Janet Lovett is a Lecturer in the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of St Andrews. Her primary research interest is in measuring nanometre distances for structural biology using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Dr Lovett teaches a first-year ‘Properties of Matter’ course at the University in addition to other courses such as magnetic resonance.