In a hydrogen atom, which transition would emit the photon with the highest ener
Practice Questions
Q1
In a hydrogen atom, which transition would emit the photon with the highest energy?
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 photon with the highest energy?
Correct Answer: Transition from n=2 to n=1
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 higher n level and the lower n level).
Step 4: Calculate the energy difference for the transition from n=2 to n=1. This transition has the largest energy difference compared to other transitions like n=3 to n=2 or n=4 to n=3.
Step 5: Conclude that the transition from n=2 to n=1 emits the photon with the highest energy because it involves the largest drop in energy levels.
