In the hydrogen atom, which transition would emit the photon with the highest en

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Question: In the hydrogen atom, which transition would emit the photon with the highest energy? (2019)

Options:

Correct Answer: n=2 to n=1

Exam Year: 2019

Solution:

The energy of the emitted photon is highest for the transition from n=2 to n=1, as it involves the largest energy difference.

In the hydrogen atom, which transition would emit the photon with the highest energy? (2019)

In the hydrogen atom, which transition would emit the photon with the highest energy? (2019)

Step 1: Understand that in a hydrogen atom, electrons can exist in different energy levels, which are represented by 'n' values (n=1, n=2, n=3, etc.).
Step 2: Know that when an electron moves from a higher energy level (higher n value) to a lower energy level (lower n value), it emits energy in the form of a photon.
Step 3: The energy of the emitted photon depends on the difference in energy between the two levels. The larger the difference, the higher the energy of the photon.
Step 4: Identify the transitions: n=2 to n=1, n=3 to n=1, n=3 to n=2, etc.
Step 5: Calculate the energy differences for these transitions. The transition from n=2 to n=1 has the largest energy difference.
Step 6: Conclude that the transition from n=2 to n=1 emits the photon with the highest energy.

Energy Levels in Hydrogen Atom – The hydrogen atom has quantized energy levels, denoted by the principal quantum number n. Transitions between these levels result in the emission or absorption of photons with energies corresponding to the difference between the levels.
Photon Energy Calculation – The energy of a photon emitted during a transition is calculated using the formula E = -13.6 eV (1/n_final^2 - 1/n_initial^2), where n_final and n_initial are the principal quantum numbers of the final and initial states, respectively.