Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Quantization is the process of restricting a physical quantity to discrete values rather than a continuous spectrum. In atomic structure, it explains how electrons occupy specific energy levels.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Electrons in atoms can only exist in specific quantized energy levels.
The quantization of energy levels explains the discrete lines observed in atomic spectra.
Quantum numbers are used to describe the quantized states of electrons within an atom.
The concept of quantization is essential for understanding phenomena such as the photoelectric effect.
Quantization rules out the possibility of electrons spiraling into the nucleus by ensuring they occupy fixed orbits.
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Related terms
Quantum Number: A number that describes values of conserved quantities in the dynamics of a quantum system.
The emission of electrons from a material when it absorbs light.
Atomic Spectrum: The spectrum of frequencies of electromagnetic radiation emitted or absorbed during transitions of electrons between energy levels within an atom.