In the hydrogen atom, which transition would emit the photon with the highest energy? (2019)
Practice Questions
1 question
Q1
In the hydrogen atom, which transition would emit the photon with the highest energy? (2019)
n=2 to n=1
n=3 to n=2
n=4 to n=3
n=5 to n=4
The energy of the emitted photon is highest for the transition from n=2 to n=1, as it involves the largest energy difference.
Questions & Step-by-step Solutions
1 item
Q
Q: In the hydrogen atom, which transition would emit the photon with the highest energy? (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.
Steps: 6
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.
