An electron in a hydrogen atom can de-excite either from to or from to
CHEMISTRY · Single correct · A Level · Chemistry · Atomic structure · Atomic structure
Problem
An electron in a hydrogen atom can de-excite either from n=4 to n=3 or from n=4 to n=2. Which one of the following statements about the photons emitted in these two transitions is correct?
(a) Both photons possess the same energy and therefore the same wavelength, since they start from the same initial level.
(b) The n=4→3 photon has higher energy and a shorter wavelength than the n=4→2 photon.
(c) The n=4→2 photon has higher energy and a shorter wavelength than the n=4→3 photon.
(d) The n=4→3 photon has lower energy and a shorter wavelength than the n=4→2 photon.