All You Need to Know About Atomic Physics
The question of what atomic physics is explains, in its most general sense, the science that deals with the atom in all its aspects. Another feature of atomic physics is that, as its name suggests, it is among the sub-branches of physics. As with all sub-branches of physics, atomic physics is the branch of science that examines all levels of the atom. Structural relationships between different atoms are one of the basic research areas of atomic physics. Likewise, atomic interactions, atomic and molecular structures also fall within the scope of atomic physics. Wave functions, energy levels, electromagnetic permeation, atomic model and molecular spectrum describe these fields.
Almost everyone knows that atoms are the smallest building blocks of matter. However, there are important features to know about this. First of all, atoms are not very small building blocks of the sun. Quantum physics is needed to be examined. Much more refined atomic structures can be analyzed based on relativity and quantum physics. Because their structures and volumes are very small, it is possible to explain atoms only indirectly. At this point, we encounter spectroscopy. Thanks to spectroscopy, the radiation absorbed or emitted by substances is measured.
Priority Condition for Knowing Atomic Physics: What is an Atom?
At the extreme point of our knowledge today, atoms are known as the smallest building blocks. It would be correct to call this the smallest known piece of matter in the universe that we know and try to assimilate. Another usage name for atom is eycik. The etymological origin of the word atom, like many words, goes back to the Ancient Greek language. The word atom used today is derived from the word “atomos”. The person who first introduced this usage to history was the famous Greek atomist Democritus. With the very early works of Democritus, information about the atom began to be obtained.
It is known today that it is impossible to see with the naked eye and can only be examined with an atomic microscope. Atoms have their own nuclei. There are electrons surrounding the nucleus of every atom. These electrons negatively charge the atomic nucleus. The atomic nucleus consists of positive protons, that is, positively charged structures, and also neutrons, which are called uncharged. When the number of protons and electrons in the atomic nucleus are equal, the atom is uncharged. When the balance between electrons and protons cannot be established, an unstable structure emerges. The name of this structure is ion.
How Did the Mysterious History of the Atom Develop?
In order to answer the question of what atomic physics is in the most accurate way, it is necessary to know the history of the atom. Numerous scientific studies have been carried out about the atom since the ancient Greek thinker Democritus. Ancient Greece left behind a very rich knowledge regarding thinking about atoms and matter. Empedocles and Aristotle's views on matter also advanced the study of atoms. The 4 states of matter, or more accurately the 4 basic substances, were put forward by these thinkers. The four main substances for these thinkers consist of fire, earth, air and water. During the following ages, according to our current knowledge, no additions were made to atomic studies.
Until the work of John Dalton. Dalton is the person who first proposed the modern atomic concept and theory. Dalton was the first person to prove that atoms could be examined and to prepare a table of his own. Later in the century in which Dalton lived, Mendeleev went down in history as the person who created the periodic table for the first time. After him, JJ Thomson first described the electron, and then Rutherford described the proton. Beyond all this, Bohr's works have been the path that truly guides history.
When it comes to Atomic Physics, the first thing that comes to mind is: Niels Bohr
When it comes to atomic physics, one of the first pioneers that comes to mind is Niels Bohr. The reason for this is Bohr's incredible contribution to the world of science. He has carried out atomic studies in numerous fields, especially his studies in quantum physics. There is also an atomic model named after Bohr, the first known in history. Bohr developed this model by carrying forward the work of his predecessor, Rutherford. In this sense, we can say that atomic studies progress cumulatively, like the entire scientific accumulation. The accepted thesis in atomic studies before the Bohr model was the idea that electrons circulate around the atomic nucleus.
Bohr tried to change this idea by presenting various hypotheses and examined the movements of electrons. According to this model, electrons are no longer completely fixed structures. Bohr tries to explain this assumption with the “excited atom”. According to the model, the circularly moving electrons at the point closest to the atomic nucleus are fixed. In other words, it is stable and does not spread energy around. However, it is argued that if this electron is given sufficient energy, it will jump and become unstable.
A Critical Tool in Atomic Physics: Spectroscopy
We briefly mentioned spectroscopy in our previous sections. Spectroscopy has an important place in atomic physics in terms of the fields in which it is used. Spectroscopy, also known as “spectrum science”, studies the movements of substances. These movements mainly include oscillating and absorbed particles. While doing this, vehicle light and sound are used. First of all, it is worth noting that spectroscopy is not used solely for chemical analysis. It is used for many areas and purposes other than chemical analysis. Physics, photonics and optical purposes are among these, and these fields benefit from spectroscopy.
Any study in the sub-branches of these fields can benefit from this tool. Among these fields of study, the interaction between light and matter can be given as an example. The emblem of the Pink Floyd band, which shook the music culture and added a unique interpretation, is also related to the science of spectrum. The band emblem, which resembles beams of light leaking through a triangular prism, is actually closely linked to spectroscopy. The tool is also useful for examining the amount of radiation emitted by substances and their interactions.
What Fields Does Atomic Physics Investigate?
We have compiled the most interesting part of our article titled “What is atomic physics?” for you. Atomic physics, in its most general sense, is of great importance for the branches of physics and chemistry. It progresses by conducting research on subjects between these two branches of science. Atomic physics first begins by determining the properties of the atom. After this, it continues by making determinations about the structure of atoms and molecules. In addition, it aims to provide information about atomic radiation and changes in the atomic structure. Atomic physics is also useful in determining the energy levels of the atom.
It can determine some properties of photons and also makes definitions about the processes of the photoelectric effect. Considering all these features and areas of study, atomic physics has a very comprehensive study discipline. Thanks to these features, atomic physics is among the most popular fields of modern science and physics.
The most diverse and rich information about the atom, which is the premise of explaining matter, is obtained through atomic physics. Ultimately, atomic physics has many application areas.
How are the Application Areas of Atomic Physics Divided and What Are They?
The question of what atomic physics is undoubtedly brings with it the application areas of atomic physics. Before proceeding, we must say that atomic physics has application possibilities in countless fields. Nanotechnology is one of the main application areas of atomic physics. Nanotechnology, which makes daily life practical in the modern age, owes a lot to atomic physics.
Nanotechnology itself is used in many areas. When reconsidered from this perspective, it can be seen that the relationship between atomic physics and nanotechnology opens up countless possibilities. Nanotechnology is used in material production, especially in the defense and weapons industry. Nanotechnology is also used in electrical and computer technologies and aviation systems.
Nanotechnology is also used when producing environmental policies or in the pharmaceutical industry. Considering all these fields, we can say that atomic physics is like a momentum that drags our age into the future. In addition, thanks to atomic physics, electron microscopy, laser technology and automatic door production are also possible.
The greatest invention that atomic physics brought to the field of health is the electron microscope. Thanks to this microscope, living things that cannot be seen with the naked eye can be identified. These include viruses, bacteria and microbes.