What Happens in the Atom During Spectral Analysis

What Happens in the Atom During Spectral Analysis  

Spectroscopy developed rapidly after the achievements of Bunsen and Kirchhoff, but a knowledge of the real cause and origin of spectral hnes was long in coming. It had to wait for the introduction of quantum theory and quantum mechanics. Two Danes took the decisive steps. In 1912 Niels Bjerrum studied the absorption of infrared radiation in gases. He showed that molecules absorb vibration and rotation energy in distinct quanta. Niels Bohr solved the problem of atomic spectra. 

Niels Bohr was bom in 1885. His father was professor of medidne at the University of Copenhagen. As a boy Niels spent much time in his fether s laboratory and grew up in an intellectually stimulating environment. Together with his brother Harald, a prominent mathematician when adult, he also had time for sport. Both ofthem became clever soccer players, though Harald was the better. 

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