CHEMISTRY · Multi-part · IB Diploma Programme · Chemistry · Electron configurations · Electron configurations
Problem
For a hydrogen atom, the bound-state energies are given by En=−n213.6eV. An ensemble of hydrogen atoms is prepared with their electrons in the n=5 state. Only transitions that terminate in the n=2 state are detected by a spectrometer.
(a) Determine the number of distinct photon wavelengths that the spectrometer can record from this preparation.
(b) Calculate each of those wavelengths to the nearest nanometre.
(c) Using the calculated wavelengths, predict which of the detected lines should fall within the visible range (400nm -- 700nm). Clearly state your reasoning.