In a hydrogen atom, the energy levels are quantized. What is the formula for the energy of the nth level?

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Q: In a hydrogen atom, the energy levels are quantized. What is the formula for the energy of the nth level?

Solution: The energy levels of a hydrogen atom are given by E_n = -13.6/n^2 eV, where n is the principal quantum number.

Steps: 6

Step 1: Understand that a hydrogen atom has different energy levels where electrons can exist.
Step 2: Know that these energy levels are quantized, meaning they can only take specific values.
Step 3: Identify the principal quantum number, n, which can be any positive integer (1, 2, 3, ...).
Step 4: Learn the formula for the energy of the nth level: E_n = -13.6/n^2 eV.
Step 5: Recognize that 'E_n' represents the energy at level n, and '-13.6' is a constant specific to hydrogen.
Step 6: Understand that as n increases, the energy becomes less negative, meaning the electron is less tightly bound to the nucleus.