In a hydrogen atom, which transition would emit the highest energy photon?
Practice Questions
Q1
In a hydrogen atom, which transition would emit the highest energy photon?
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 a hydrogen atom, which transition would emit the highest energy photon?
Correct Answer: Transition from n=2 to n=1
Step 1: Understand that a hydrogen atom has 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) to a lower energy level (lower n), it emits energy in the form of a photon.
Step 3: The energy of the emitted photon depends on the difference between the two energy levels (n values).
Step 4: Calculate the energy difference for the transition from n=2 to n=1. This is a large difference.
Step 5: Compare this with other possible transitions, like n=3 to n=2 or n=4 to n=3, which have smaller energy differences.
Step 6: Conclude that the transition from n=2 to n=1 emits the highest energy photon because it has the largest energy difference.
