In the hydrogen atom, which transition would emit the photon with the highest en
Practice Questions
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
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
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.
